Buried Vikings Rookie Will get Some Nationwide Love

Former Clemson offensive lineman Tristan Leigh throughout 2026 Clemson Professional Day within the Poe Indoor Facility at Clemson College in Clemson Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The Minnesota Vikings lastly have a rookie class that’s greater than only a handful of gamers. This yr, 9 rookies arrived through the draft and plenty of extra proper after the three-day occasion. Whereas the expectations are excessive for individuals who value draft capital, the undrafted free agent class doesn’t have any of that.

Although they’re at all times lengthy pictures to make the 53-man roster, not to mention contribute, the purpose is to seek out a few undrafted rookies with the potential to offer worth down the highway. For this yr’s Vikings, wideout Dillon Bell and punter Brett Thorson have already gotten some buzz.

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports activities, thinks offensive deal with Tristan Leigh could possibly be the one to offer a spark within the Twin Cities.

He wrote this week, “Leigh started 33 games over the course of his time with the Tigers. Although he most recently played left tackle, Leigh has also played guard, so he offers positional versatility in his bid to make the roster. Leigh received the second-largest practical guarantee ($262,500) from the team, behind only Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell ($272,500).”

Clemson offensive lineman Tristan Leigh (71) blocks in a punting state of affairs with LSU through the first quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.

The Clemson product obtained a pleasant paycheck in trade for his signature in April. That assured cash doesn’t assure a roster spot, nevertheless it definitely reveals he had curiosity from different suitors and that the Vikings have been prepared to open the checkbook to lure the rookie to Minnesota.

Undrafted rookies have a storied historical past with the franchise. Mick Tingelhoff and John Randle made all of it the way in which to Canton, whereas Minnesota’s personal, Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham, are current examples of lengthy careers.

Leigh desires to be the subsequent in line, however the competitors at deal with is just brutal. The Vikings, after all, will proceed to depend on veterans Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Accidents slowed down the duo over the past couple of years, however when wholesome, they’re definitely among the many greatest within the enterprise.

Moreover, the Vikings bolstered the depth this offseason, including Ryan Van Demark in free company, a participant the Buffalo Payments didn’t need to let go. Within the draft, interim GM Rob Brzezinski used a third-rounder to onboard Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan. Often, groups maintain 4 tackles on the roster, however the observe squad is a good purpose for undrafted first-year athletes.

Leigh’s competitors will likely be for the fifth spot on the depth chart, competing in opposition to 2024 draftee Walter Rouse and Caleb Etienne, a practice-squad participant from final yr.

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Tristan Leigh (71) in opposition to the Texas Longhorns through the CFP Nationwide playoff first spherical at Darrell Okay Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos

NFL.com’s draft scout, Lance Zierlein, opined months in the past concerning the rookie, “Former five-star recruit with good length and athletic ability but inconsistencies that could hurt his chances on the next level. Leigh has the footwork and hand-timing for protection success in the early stages of the rep but struggles anchoring against power. He gets into trouble with excessive lunging. He’s quick out of his stance and is able to hit lateral/second-level landmarks but his lack of sustain strength will be hard for him to overcome as a run blocker.”

That former five-star pedigree gained’t assist him within the NFL, nevertheless it reveals some athletic instruments and uncooked expertise that the brand new OL coach, Keith Carter, can work with.

He’ll have a few months to get snug in opposition to NFL competitors, after which he’ll want a flawless preseason to maximise his endurance.

Making the 53-man roster could be a major upset given Minnesota’s depth at deal with, however that doesn’t imply Leigh’s first NFL season could be a failure if he falls brief. The observe squad usually serves as step one for developmental linemen, and the Vikings have proven endurance with younger offensive line prospects lately. Final yr, undrafted rookie guard Joe Huber caught round and even bought some enjoying time.

For now, merely incomes nationwide recognition is a reminder that Leigh is extra than simply one other undrafted rookie. The trail to enjoying time could also be crowded, however the Vikings clearly noticed sufficient potential to put money into him, and the approaching months will decide whether or not that funding begins to repay.

Editor’s Word: Data from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports activities Reference helped with this text.

Janik Eckardt is a German sports activities nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He selected the Vikings to be his … Extra about Janik Eckardt