Vikings Rookie Gets “Under the Radar” Recognition

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings welcomed seven new rookies from the 2024 NFL Draft and approximately 17 more from undrafted free agency this offseason.

Vikings Rookie Gets “Under the Radar” Recognition

And according to Bleacher Report, UDFA outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy is flying under the radar with training camp just three days away.

udfa
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports.

BR nominated seven undrafted free agents with “under the radar” statuses, and Murphy got the nod. “Murphy brings an explosive first step and the quickness to work two-way goes effectively. Moreover, Murphy has solid flexibility around the arc and finds ways to keep his legs churning through contact so as to not get run around the back of the pocket,” BR’s Derrik Klassen explained. “Movement skills like that would be useful anywhere but especially in a Brian Flores defense. The Vikings defense under Flores’ control last year was hectic.”

The Vikings suddenly showcase a crowded EDGE room, even after Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum bolted for new NFL homes in March. Murphy could make the September roster as a fourth or fifth pass rusher.

Rookie
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

“They sought to blitz the hell out of their opponents from every angle possible, throwing in loops and stunts and twists galore. Murphy’s athleticism makes him a perfect weapon off the bench for that style of defense. Is Murphy going to come in and start for the Vikings right away? No, definitely not,” Klassen added. “There’s a clear opening for the fourth edge spot, though, and that’s a role that will get serious playing time in a defense like this.”

Murphy’s UDFA deal clocked in at $245,000 in guaranteed cash, which is more than Pace Jr.’s paycheck in 2023. It’s unlikely that the Vikings would sign Murphy to that deal and release him a few months later. Like Pace Jr. in 2023, Murphy was evidently neglected in the draft because of size and perceived strength. General managers believed he was too small for the EDGE spot or not strong enough for sustainability. Still, he was supposed to go off the draftboard sometime in the middle rounds but curiously tumbled into the undrafted pool.

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.

With the lofty expectations carved out for Murphy, plus the handsome UDFA contract, it’s all about the timing of his arrival to a regular season field. Minnesota assuredly doesn’t have a starting EDGE need immediately, but Murphy’s maturation will be monitored closely.

Other under-the-radar personalities mentioned by BR? Denver Broncos running back Audric Estimé and Jacksonville Jaguars WR Joshua Cephus, among four others.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings rookies report to training camp this Sunday.

The San Antonio Brahmas selected Murphy with the 15th pick in the 2024 UFL Draft, meaning he can take his talents to that alternative league if he doesn’t make the Vikings’ roster or practice squad this season.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.