3 Undrafted Vikings Make the Big Bucks
It’s Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s annual cheat code to ship away his picks and then sign players who could or should’ve been drafted. That’s how he landed Ivan Pace Jr. in 2023. Last year, he found Taki Taimani, Dwight McGlothern, Bo Richter, and Gabriel Murphy, who all remained with the team throughout the season.
3 Undrafted Vikings Make the Big Bucks
In this year’s class, the executive handed out three contracts that include significant guaranteed money. It’s not certain to help players succeed, but the amount of guaranteed money is a good indicator of how much of a market a player has. More guaranteed money usually means a player is regarded higher in NFL circles, especially by the team signing him.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson revealed this year’s top earners among UDFAs, and three Vikings are pretty high on that list.
EDGE Tyler Batty, BYU
Guaranteed money: $259,000
Pass rusher Tyler Batty starred at BYU for five seasons. He is one of the oldest prospects in this year’s class, as he just turned 26. On the field, however, he shines with a relentless motor and power, helping him generate 16.5 sacks and 224 tackles throughout his college days. He also led the Big 12 in QB hurries last season.
Path to the Roster: The Vikings employ two Pro Bowlers on the edges, as well as last year’s first-rounder, Dallas Turner. Those three are safe. Behind them, Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy are under contract. Murphy was hurt for most of last year but played ahead of Richter on defense. Richter, meanwhile, played on special teams.
Batty can make the team if he shows more than Murphy on defense or more as a total package in two phases than Richter.
QB Max Brosmer, Minnesota
Guaranteed money: $246,000
Max Brosmer transferred from New Hampshire to Minnesota to play his final college season at the highest level. The transition wasn’t too big for him, and he guided the Gophers’ offense with experience and football IQ. His ceiling is limited because of the lack of any above-average athletic traits, but he is a smart passer and could develop into a backup QB over time.
Path to the Roster: Without any unforeseen upsets, J.J. McCarthy will be the starter, Sam Howell the backup, and Brett Rypien QB3. Brosmer needs to unseat one of them because NFL teams don’t carry a fourth signal-caller. The practice squad could be a realistic goal.
TE Ben Yurosek, Georgia
Guaranteed money: $254,000
Tight end Ben Yurosek started his college career at Stanford, where he combined for over 1,000 receiving yards in 2021 and 2022. His final college season took place at Georgia. He registered 185 yards for the Bulldogs. Yurosek is a decent blocker, but his receiving numbers continually dipped throughout his career, which raises some questions.
Path to the Roster: The Vikings entered the draft with only T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver under contract. In the sixth round, Gavin Bartholomew was drafted, and he should be the favorite for the TE3 gig.
Yurosek can’t be counted out, though, because he has the skill set to be a solid all-around third tight end like Johnny Mundt in the last three seasons. Another undrafted tight end was added in North Carolina’s pass-catcher, Bryson Nesbit. He is more of a tall and slow slot receiver, but he undoubtedly was productive in college.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.
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