Speedy Rookie Could Steal a Roster Spot for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings embraced speed this offseason, signing cornerback Isaiah Rodgers — who ran a 4.28 forty-yard dash five years ago — and wide receiver Rondale Moore, a man with 4.29 speed.
An undrafted rookie WR is doing the thing at Vikings camp — and could sneak onto the regular season roster if he plays his cards right.
But the speed fascination didn’t stop with veteran free agency. Minnesota also scooped rookie Texas wideout Silas Bolden from undrafted free agency, and he could be in line for a roster spot.
Bolden is a name to watch this summer at training camp and in the preseason.
WR Silas Bolden Turned Heads This Month
In addition to cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn, another notable June standout, Bolden flashed at Vikings mandatory minicamp, showcasing 4.38 speed, versatility, and opportunism along the way.
Bolden ranked No. 396 on the Consensus Big Board leading up to the draft, probably because of his stature, and went undrafted accordingly. He’s 5’8″ and 160, and players who weigh a buck sixty often don’t find traction in the big leagues.
Yet, as a speed merchant, return man, or gadget figure, Bolden might find a way into Minnesota’s plans in 2025.
Speedy Silas Bolden Is an Undercover Vikings Roster Sleeper
Because the Vikings have some return game questions on special teams, Bolden could realistically make the 53-man depth chart in two months.
Vikings.com Evidence
Rob Kleifield of Vikings.com profiled Bolden this week: “At Oregon State, Bolden started in No. 83, shifted to No. 7 and then swapped it for a Longhorns No. 11. Now, on the Vikings, he’s returned to 83 (after fourth-year wide receiver Jalen Nailor swapped 83 for 1 this offseason) and is aiming to earn a role in an explosive offense and/or as a game-breaking specialist.”
“While the level has changed and the competition increased, this territory is familiar for Bolden in that he’s used to being discounted because of his stature — and plenty accustomed to shaking off doubters. It helps that what Bolden lacks in size, he multiplies in mental and physical toughness, versatility and explosiveness.”
Minnesota may be building an offense that emphasizes yards after catch — affectionately known as YAC — a bit more after curiously finishing low in the statistic’s efficiency in 2025.
Kleifield added, “Plus, he’s privy to a quasi-roadmap for his continued football trek thanks to his brother. Bolden has the requisite traits to stand out in that capacity. He switches gears in an instant; has dizzying short-area burst and dangerous long speed; and shows a spatial awareness and wiggle that sometimes enables him to run laterally with the ball to acquire an angle and reach greener grass, before stepping on the gas.”
“On every stage, Bolden only has ever needed an opportunity.”
And, yes, that sounds like a player who has a puncher’s chance at the 53-man roster.
Silas Bolden on His Role with the Vikings
Bolden, too, shared thoughts at minicamp.
“It means everything, you know, because I’m not the biggest guy out there. I just went out there and put in the work and it shows. I made my dreams come true, you know? But the journey is not over. I’m just getting started,” he said about his evolving role.
He also opined on his personal blueprint: “I ain’t gonna lie, I pretended to be Reggie Bush. My first number was actually 5 when I played tackle football. So, I mean, he was my biggest inspiration.”
If Bolden can emulate Bush even a little bit, he’ll fetch a cult following among purple fans.
“You know, don’t be too high or be too low. I know for me, the most important thing is possession. As long as you catch the ball, you’re gonna put your team in the best situation,” Bolden concluded about his summer.
Return Job Competitions
At Oregon State, Bolden returned kicks and punts. Full stop.
Minnesota may need return men this season, as Brandon Powell doesn’t work in the Twin Cities any longer, and the men who handled kick returning duties either aren’t employed by the Vikings this summer or could be released amid roster shavedowns: Myles Gaskin, Cam Akers, and Ty Chandler.
Bolden probably best profiles as a punt returner, leaving the kick return duties for cornerback Isaiah Rodgers or the aforementioned Chandler. If so, he must take down Jalen Nailor, another speed demon, for the PR1 job at training camp and in the preseason.
Winning that battle alone could carve out a roster spot.
PurplePTSD on Silas Bolden
Our own Janik Eckardt added Bolden context after the club’s UDFA haul: “The good news is that the team acquired another one of those small but quick receivers with punt return experience. Silas Bolden arrived as an undrafted free agent, and he could be the guy returning punts for the Vikings in 2025.”
“Bolden started his career at Oregon State but played the last of his five collegiate seasons at Texas, where he became their primary punt returner, returning 30 punts for 315 yards and a touchdown. On offense, he added 23 catches for 267 yards and one score, and he rushed for another touchdown.”
For now, consider Bolden a summer sleeper.
Eckardt continued, “Obviously, Bolden has a long way to go to be a relevant asset for an NFL offense, but an experienced punt returner always has a shot at making it in the NFL, and the Vikings know it.”
Bolden’s quest for an active roster spot would also be aided if the Vikings keep six wide receivers. Stay tuned.
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