Our Mr. Mankato Picks Might Surprise You
Minnesota Vikings training camp is in full swing, with fans arriving on the scene in Eagan this weekend.
VikingsTerritory unveils its picks for Mr. Mankato at Vikings training camp — and some of them might catch you off guard. Meet the under-the-radar Vikings who could shine brightest at camp, per our writers.
Camp will continue through the next two weeks, culminating in the first preseason game at home against the Houston Texans on August 9th.
And, in the spirit of the week, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the winner of “Mr. Mankato” — the unsung player who shows up out of nowhere to steal the show in Eagan. The award should probably be called “Mr. Eagan,” but that just doesn’t sound as sweet in terms of nostalgia as Mr. Mankato.
These are our official Mr. Mankato predictions. You can read last year’s here.
Mr. Mankato Predictions from VikingsTerritory | 2025
Our writers go on the record with predictions.
1. Max Brosmer (QB)
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
Quarterbacks are going to get time to shine this training camp, and Brosmer can separate himself as a backup if he can go out and show what made him so successful at Minnesota.
2. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
VT Writer: Cole Smith
My Mr. Mankato pick is Dwight McGlothern. “Nudie” made the squad last year as a UDFA, and with new quarterbacks trying to get acclimated to Kevin O’Connell’s system, expect McGlothern to be around the ball a lot and push for playing time on defense this year.
3. Tai Felton (WR)
VT Writer: Adam New
The third-round rookie will get plenty of opportunity to showcase his route running ability, and under the tutelage of receivers coach Keenan McCardell, I expect Felton to be the last meet WR to impress during Vikings training camp.
4. Gavin Bartholomew (TE)
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings will have a new No.3 TE this year with Johnny Mundt gone. Bartholomew could perhaps be that guy. His name alone could, by the way, make him popular with the fans.
5. Zemaiah Vaughn (CB)
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings love their undrafted players, and Zemaiah Vaughn will make some noise at TCO Performance Center. The corner has already generated some buzz in the offseason, and he will be involved in plenty of one-on-one drills, giving him the chance to shine in a shaky CB group.
6. Ben Yurosek (TE)
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Silas Bolden would’ve been the pick here, but let’s go against the grain so readers don’t get frustrated by the barrage that’s about to hit them.
Minnesota drafted Pittsburgh’s Gavin Bartholomew in Round 6, but he’s already on the PUP list. Not ideal. Yurosek has big-school experience out the wazoo and is a reliable pass-catching target in the middle of the field.
If the Vikings don’t sign Noah Fant or Gerald Everett for the TE3 gig — just a couple of examples from free agency — the prediction here is a TE3 upset orchestrated by Yurosek.
The Draft Network‘s Keith Sanchez profiled Yurosek last summer: “Yurosek can align everywhere from being an outside receiver to the slot to H-back to being an in-line tight end. As of now, Yurosek does a good job of making initial contact but appears to lack the overall strength to sustain and get movement along the line of scrimmage in the run game. Yurosek is more effective working a double team block with an offensive lineman where he has help.”
“Overall, Yurosek is a tight end prospect who can be a reliable middle-of-the-field target for an NFL offense. Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter.”
Point of order: Bolden will probably win the fun but mythical award.
t7. Silas Bolden (WR)
VT Writer: Josh Frey
The Vikings won’t want to use any of Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson, or Jalen Nailor in the preseason too much, leaving plenty of opportunities for depth guys. Silas Bolden is primarily known for his kick/punt return abilities, but don’t be surprised if he breaks off a few big plays on offense, too.
t7. Silas Bolden (WR)
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
Everyone will say Zemaiah Vaughn, the cornerback. I’m going to say Silas Bolden (WR). He will flash in return duties and have a few catches that get a highlight video from the Vikings. Hn will then be added to the practice squad, and as other veterans will need to be on the roster for security.
t7. Silas Bolden (WR)
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
I’ll roll with Silas Bolden. Quick and filling a position of need, Mr. Bolden will make some plays that cause fans in the stands to express audible excitement.
t7. Silas Bolden (WR)
VT Writer: Wesley Johnson
After missing some pop in the return game since Kene Nwangwu’s departure, Bolden has a great opportunity in front of him to make his mark. It’s entirely within the realm of possibility that his returning acumen will keep him front and center during camp and open the door to claiming 2025’s Mr. Mankato.
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