5 Vikings Rookies Who Could Shake Up 2025
The Vikings named their final 53-man roster on Tuesday, and among those that made the cut were 11 Vikings rookies.
The Vikings’ 2025 roster features five rookies with the talent to shake things up this season, from draft picks to undrafted finds eager to make their mark.
Of the Vikings’ 2025 draft pick, four of the five made the roster, with TE Gavin Bartholomew the exception – he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The seven remaining rookies to make the roster were undrafted free agents — a quite staggering number.
Watch Out for These Vikings Rookies to Have an Impact in 2025
There’s still time for the Vikings to make free agent additions or even fire off a trade; however, if these 11 rookies stay on the roster. Let’s examine the impact they can have.
Former Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer was a fun story for the preseason, but if he were on the field this season, it would mean there has been some sort of disaster. He will take up QB3 duties and wait to be called upon if needed.
Then there’s a group of three undrafted rookies that will most likely be limited to special teams duties. They include LB Austin Keys, G Joe Huber, and OLB Chaz Chambliss. Two players that will also primarily play on special teams but might see a bit more action in the rotation are TE Ben Yurosek and LB Kobe King. Now we move on to the five Vikings rookies who should make the most significant impact.
Donovan Jackson
You expect your first-round pick to lead the way among rookies, and that is exactly what Donovan Jackson has been doing. The early signs from Jackson are good after playing the first offensive series of the first preseason game.
Kevin O’Connell has seemingly seen enough, leaving Jackson to put his feet up for the rest of the preseason. Jackson looks like a solid addition to the revamped offensive line. There was no doubt that he was taking the left guard position from incumbent Blake Brandel. Expectations should be high for a good season from the rookie.
Tai Felton
The Vikings’ third-round pick could be very busy in the first few games of the season unless Minnesota can bring in reinforcements to the wide receiver position. Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games of the season, and Jalen Nailor is struggling with a hand injury.
The depth at WR is looking shaky and should give Tai Felton the chance to make his mark early. No matter what the Vikings do at the position between now and the Week 1 game against Chicago. Felton should be in line for an important role in the first weeks of the season at least.
Myles Price
Myles Price may also get some opportunities on offense in the early weeks of the season, but it’s his return skills that have brought him on the roster. The undrafted free agent showed what he is capable of during the preseason games, most notably with the 81-yard kickoff return against the New England Patriots and some solid punt returns.
There was one shaky moment where he almost bobbled a catch, but he kept his composure and hung onto the ball. I expect Price to be the Vikings’ primary kickoff and punt returner throughout the season unless he does something to lose the job.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Elijah Williams
Finally, we have two defensive linemen: one, a fifth-round draft pick, is Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and the other is the least of the seven undrafted rookies, Elijah Williams. Ingram-Dawkins showed he could affect the game in all phases during the preseason, stuffing the run, collapsing the pocket, and even batting down passes.
The fifth-round pick was expected to make the roster, but Williams turned heads with his preseason performances, where he showcased an incredible motor and ability to cover ground for a big man. He thoroughly deserves his spot on the roster.
The somewhat surprising trade of Harrison Phillips has created opportunities for the young defensive linemen on the team and boosted the chances of these two Vikings rookies. Most of the opportunities for the two rookies will likely come on special teams early on.
However, the defensive line is one area where rotation is used, and opportunities will arise. Making explosive plays whenever they get on the field will help their cause for more playing time and is something both players are capable of.
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