Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed seen emotion Sep 8, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, throughout second-half motion at Soldier Discipline in opposition to the Bears. O’Connell’s response on the sideline mirrored the depth of the divisional contest as Minnesota labored to keep up composure and alter technique on the highway within the NFC North matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Pictures.
Nook Charles Demmings — he prefers to be referred to as Chuck — is impressing onlookers at TCO Efficiency Heart. The Vikings rookie retains proving that he could have been a steal within the fifth Spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Think about, as an illustration, what Thor Nystrom needed to say on social media: “Chuck Demmings is gonna force his way onto the field at some point this fall. Extremely aggressive/energetic presence on D — your eyes gravitate to him. Had a slick breakup today, and got under [Jauan] Jennings’ skin late on a short checkdown that Demmings screamed down on.”
Go forward and take into account what Will Ragatz needed to say: “Rookie CB Chuck Demmings is maybe the best story of training camp thus far. He just keeps making plays, with two more PBUs so far today. And he isn’t shy about celebrating afterwards. Vikings might’ve found something in the fifth round.”
By no means one to show down an opportunity to reward Mr. Demmings, Brevan Bane wrote concerning the Vikings rookie performing some good issues over on PurplePTSD. “All indications continue to point towards rookie CB Charles Demmings being an absolute stud,” Bane explains. “Admittedly, I love soaking up every bit of the Demmings praise.”
Vikings Rookie Charles Demmings is Turning Heads
Think about a finest guess for what the nook depth chart appears like as of early August. The starters:
CB1 Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2 Isaiah Rodgers
CB3 James Pierre
The Vikings are nonetheless sorting by what the depth chart goes to appear like for the September thirteenth sport in opposition to the Packers. Might different younger guys like Dwight McGlothern or Zamaiah Vaughn power their means into the lineup?
Furthermore, there must be a consideration of the security expertise. Josh Metellus is coming off a disappointing yr however he’s going to play. Subsequent up are some mixture of Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, and Jakobe Thomas. All of those guys are attempting to power their means onto the sphere.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (2) breaks up a cross to New York Giants huge receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) throughout a sport at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA – Credit score: USA TODAY Community through Reuters Join
Lingering amongst all of those choices is Charles Demmings.
Think about what the scouting report seemed like going into the draft. The perception from Lance Zierlein from the NFL web site: “Demmings is capable of mixing into a variety of coverages but is at his best starting from a press look. He has the hips/feet to match route breaks and the speed to stay with routes as they unfold. His recognition and instincts are average from off coverages and he can be a step slow to drive on throws in front of him. While Demmings lacks ideal play strength and is not a firm tackler, his ball skills and man-cover consistency could land him a roster spot as a future CB4 with gunner potential.”
Possibly the principle knock on Demmings is that he performed for a modest faculty program. Fairly fairly, analysts wrestle to confidently proclaim him able to making the leap to the NFL.
Demmings, for no matter it’s price, doesn’t look like drowning at Vikings coaching camp. On the contrary, the younger fella is carrying himself with lots of confidence, which is a fundamental prerequisite for taking part in the place. No person generally is a nice nook, particularly a press-man nook, with out being assured.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks defensive again Charles Demmings (21) intercepts a cross as Jacksonville State Gamecocks tackle Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks throughout the FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Jacksonville State Gamecocks lead Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 21-17. © Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK
Admittedly, the practices again in June weren’t on the similar normal, however here’s what I noticed when watching Demmings.
The Vikings rookie appears lengthy. He’s tall and has lengthy arms, an amazing attribute for the place. So, too, is he quick. Once more, that’s wonderful. However then there’s one thing intangible that nonetheless reveals up in a bodily means. The child is prepared to recover from prime of the receiver’s toes earlier than the snap, lining up instantly throughout from the participant he’s overlaying.
Primarily, Demmings is saying, “I’m covering you and am not at all concerned about hiding that basic fact. Good luck trying to catch the ball.” The NFL is a office the place actions communicate louder than phrases. Demmings says a lot in these moments.
Charles Demmings is 23.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E-mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
