Vikings Have a Deep Sleeper on the Roster
Minnesota Vikings roster construction will take shape in the coming months, trimming the depth chart from 90 players to 53 by the end of summer.
Vikings Have a Deep Sleeper on the Roster
Most positions have a clear outcome per starters’ expectations, but like every year, some sleepers will emerge, hoping to seize a roster spot and maybe even do on-the-field damage in the regular season.
One such deep sleeper in 2025 is Georgia tight end Ben Yurosek, an undrafted free agent find by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah one week ago.
Georgia TE Ben Yurosek as a Deep Sleeper
No matter what, the Vikings will have three tight ends on the active roster by Week 1 and maybe even four.
Because Pittsburgh’s Gavin Bartholomew found his way to the Vikings via Round 6 of the draft last weekend, most believe he’s the new TE3, basically by default. The logic is sound, and from a May viewpoint, Bartholomew should be penciled in as WR3.
However, in the long run, 6th-Rounders are rather expendable, so a man like Yurosek, who performed admirably early in his collegiate career at Stanford, could sneakily grab the TE3 post. It’s just hard to fathom a demotion for Bartholomew a week after the draft.
It could happen, though.
Vikings TEs Uncertain after 2025
The Vikings’ tight ends feature T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver at the top of the ticket. Yurosek won’t crack the top two anytime soon. Neither will Bartholomew.
Still, Hockenson’s guaranteed contractual money runs out after the 2025 season, and Oliver’s last year in the Twin Cities is scheduled for 2025. Hockenson should be a part of the Vikings’ infrastructure for the long haul, yet Oliver is less certain.
A player like Yurosek, if he shows promise this summer, fall, and winter, might have a path to TE2 if he plays his cards right.
Ben Yurosek Scouting Report
NFL Draft Buzz‘s Wyatt Brooks profiled Yurosek before the draft: “Benjamin Yurosek brings a strong set of skills to the table as he transitions to the NFL. His excellent hands, ability to make contested catches, and versatility in lining up across multiple positions will be key assets. Yurosek’s athleticism and football IQ are clear strengths, making him a reliable target in the passing game and a capable blocker when called upon.”
“However, Yurosek faces challenges that he must address to reach his full potential. Adding more weight and strength is crucial for him to hold up against NFL defenders, particularly as a blocker.”
Yurosek (6’4″ and 245 pounds) logged 1,527 receiving yards, 123 receptions, and 5 touchdowns in 48 college games at Stanford and Georgia. He snagged about 32 receiving yards per game, production that could assuredly do the trick if translated to Minnesota’s offense.
Brooks added, “Additionally, he needs to refine his route-running technique and improve his consistency to avoid lapses in concentration that have led to occasional drops. Projecting to the next level, Yurosek has the tools to become a solid contributor as a TE2 with the potential to develop into a starting role.”
“If he can enhance his physicality and sharpen his skills, Yurosek can emerge as a dependable playmaker at the next level. His ability to adapt and grow in the competitive environment of the SEC bodes well for his transition to the pros, where he can leverage his experience and versatility to make an impact.”
Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse Gone
Why forecast big things for Yurosek at all? Simple — the team’s previous depth tight ends work elsewhere.
Johnny Mundt, old faithful, followed Vikings assistant quarterback coach Grant Udinski and quarterback Nick Mullens to the Jacksonville Jaguars. And before the 2024 season ended, the Philadelphia Eagles stole Nick Muse from the purple practice squad. He won a Super Bowl.
Then, before the draft, Minnesota added no tight ends whatsoever from free agency. Someone like Yurosek or Bartholomew has to step up.
Brevan Bane’s Take on Yurosek
Brevan Bane of PurplePTSD noted on Yurosek right after the draft: “Yurosek transferred to Georgia in 2024 after three seasons with the Stanford Cardinals. That season did see his worst statistical output in his four-year collegiate career, but he was on a much better team with much more talent and right to spread the ball than Stanford.”
“Yurosek possesses fantastic hands with a textbook method of catching, using his hands and catching away from the body as opposed to letting the ball get all the way to his body to secure it. He has a high football IQ and has the ability to line up at multiple positions on the offense, although his best chance to succeed in the NFL will likely be as an in-line TE.”
Yurosek grew up in California and also led his high school basketball team to a state title.
Bane concluded: “This is because of the fact that not only is he a reliable pass-catcher, but he is also a solid and willing blocker in both the run and passing game. To complement his blocking and receiving acumen, Yurosek also possesses a great explosiveness off the line that allows him to create separation quickly and win routes against whoever was defensively responsible for him.”
“This guy kind of sounds like a certain current Vikings tight end, huh?” Bane compared Yurosek to Hockenson.
Other Deep Sleepers?
If one doesn’t take the Yurosek bait, he doesn’t have to be the only deep sleeper in the Vikings’ roster orbit.
Across several positions, other deep sleepers might include:
- Tyler Batty (OLB)
- Silas Bolden (WR)
- Joe Huber (G)
- Kobe King (LB)
- Reddy Steward (CB)
- Tre Stewart (RB)
Vikings rookie minicamp kicks off later this week.
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