Our 7 Vikings Predictions for “Mr. Mankato”
Minnesota Vikings training camp is mere days from kicking off — July 21st with rookies the first attending — so business is about to heat up.
Our 7 Vikings Predictions for “Mr. Mankato”
Years back, SKOR North began a tradition of naming “Mr. Mankato,” a player who shows up basically out of nowhere to mesmerize fans. In the past, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Jayron Kearse, and Kyle Sloter, for example, have won the unofficial award.
So, we asked VikingsTerritory writers for their Mr. Mankato predictions.
These are their responses.
1. Gabriel Murphy (OLB)
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
Last year, Ivan Pace Jr., like Murphy, was also a linebacker and undrafted. The chances of Murphy making the impact Pace did as a rookie are slim, but maybe he will make the roster and contribute on special teams. Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, by the way, were also UCLA linebackers like Murphy. Another reason he’s a good story is that he could be a big fan favorite early on.
2. Will Reichard (K)
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Reichard will easily win the kicker battle over Parker Romo, and along the way, fans will realize that the man is the real deal. He has the accuracy and the leg.
The Vikings are absolutely starved for a homegrown kicker to pan out. The last was Blair Walsh — before he broke bad in the 2015 playoffs.
3. Jaquelin Roy (DT)
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
The sophomore DT breaks out and becomes an impact player.
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings need some unsung heroes to step up on defense, and McGlothern could very easily be that guy.
5. Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT)
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
LDR was the best-kept secret from the Vikings scouting department from Division II Texas A&M Commerce. He was dubbed this year’s Prospect X by The Athletic‘s Kalyn Kahler for being the most overlooked prospect. LDR is a high-motor player already being heralded as a first-in, last-out dude.
6. Robert Tonyan (TE)
Prediction Maker = Brevan Bane
This is an interesting one, considering I’ve made the bold prediction for him to get cut, but all indications are that he’s made a good impression all around the facility and on the field in his short time at TCO. Upon some research, Tonyan has always had strong camps, leading to high expectations from the respective fan base he’s representing that year. He would immediately be, by far, the oldest Mr. Mankato.
t7. Jalen Nailor (WR)
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The 2022 draftee showed enormous potential in his rookie season, so he was tabbed as a breakout player in 2023. Multiple injuries held him back, but he is a premier candidate to earn an expanded role after K.J. Osborn’s exit. His speed and playmaking ability will turn some heads in training camp.
His energy and enthusiasm will be on full display throughout training camp. His infectious personality has already won over a portion of the fan base, making it easy to select him as this year’s Mr. Mankato.
t7. Jalen Nailor (WR)
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
The 2022 sixth-round pick has had trouble staying on the field, but the coaching staff loves his skillset. If he can stay healthy, think of the equivalent of a 2009 Sidney Rice-esque breakout season for a WR3.
Vikings Have a “Distressed Asset”
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 MIN 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.
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