Vikings Sign Promising Pass Rusher
The Minnesota Vikings did not need any help at outside linebacker from a bird’s-eye view of the 2025 roster, but they added depth regardless.
Vikings Sign Promising Pass Rusher
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulled defender Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins from Round 5 of the draft last weekend, a somewhat unexpected pick because his squad already has Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner competing for snaps alongside the revamped defensive tackle group being led by Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Harrison Phillips.
But that wasn’t all for Adofo-Mensah.
He signed BYU’s Tyler Batty after the draft.
BYU EDGE Tyler Batty to Vikings
Minnesota quickly added 19 UDFAs on Saturday night, showcasing Batty as one of its keynote additions.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweeted about the signing Monday: “The Vikings deal for BYU defensive end Tyler Batty (6-6, 271, 4.78 speed, 34 vertical, 224 career tackles, 33.5 for losses, 16.5 sacks, two interceptions) $259,000 guaranteed, $25,000 signing bonus, $234,000 of salary guaranteed for All-Big 12 selection.”
It’s official for Batty, lured to Minnesota by the pizzazz of a $234,000 in guarantees, a large amount for a UDFA and one of the Vikings’ signature strategies in obtaining the top talents after the draft.
Who’s Tyler Batty?
Batty is 6’6″ and 275 pounds with 4.76 speed. NFL Draft Buzz‘s K.C. Martinez on Batty: “A high-motor edge defender with three-down potential, Batty brings a lunch-pail mentality to the trenches. His ability to set a firm edge and stack-and-shed in the run game will earn him early rotational snaps. In passing situations, Batty’s developing rush arsenal and quick play recognition allow him to be disruptive, though his lack of elite bend may limit his ceiling as a pure speed rusher.”
“Scheme versatility is Batty’s calling card. He’s comfortable playing multiple techniques across the defensive front, making him valuable in both 4-3 and 3-4 systems. His high-level processing and on-field communication skills suggest he could quickly become a defensive signal-caller. However, his frame may be maxed out, potentially limiting his ability to add significant functional strength at the next level.”
Batty was projected as a 6th- or 7th-Round pick, mainly shoved to undrafted free agency because of his age.
Martinez added, “While far from a blue-chip prospect, Batty’s likely floor is of a reliable rotational piece with starter upside. His relentless motor, play strength, and ability to diagnose plays quickly make him a solid Day 3 target. Teams looking for a high-character, scheme-flexible defender who can contribute on special teams will find value in Batty’s well-rounded skill set.”
Gridiron Grading tweeted about Batty over the weekend: “Nobody does a better job than the Vikings in undrafted free agency. What a list. Logan Brown was our #1 UDFA with a 2nd round grade. There weren’t many more talented OL in this draft. Tyler Batty had a Day 2 grade for us and can play right away. This is how it is done.”
Disclaimer: Batty Is Old
By the time training camp rolls around in July, Batty will be 26.
Yes. You read that right.
He began his collegiate playing career at BYU in 2020 and didn’t put his name in the hopper for the pros until now. Batty is about four years older than Dallas Turner, the Vikings’ 1st-Rounder from last year.
Batty basically played an entire rookie contract in college per age.
Batty’s Spot on the OLB Depth Chart
Here’s where Batty fits on the Vikings’ depth chart in the spring:
- Jonathan Greenard
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Bo Richter
- Gabriel Murphy
- Tyler Batty
- Chaz Chambliss
He’ll compete for a roster spot at training camp in the preseason.
Will He Make the Team in September?
Because Minnesota invested a 5th-Rounder in Ingram-Dawkins, while also employing Richter and Murphy, Batty will have to be quite special to make the regular season roster. He certainly has age and experience on his side — most rookies aren’t 26.
More realistically, though, Batty projects as a practice squad commodity, although stranger things have happened than him stealing a roster spot in late August.
Other UDFAs
Minnesota also onboarded Logan Brown, a tackle from Kansas, in undrafted free agency. Many pegged him as a 4th- or 5th-Round pick.
Jacksonville State running back Tre Stewart is now a Viking. He might have the spine for an RB3 or RB4 job.
Georgia tight end Ben Yurosek is adored by many draft heads and could sneakily become the TE3 in 2025 if he surpasses rookie Gavin Bartholomew this summer.
The Vikings’ Big Trade Is Official
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