Our Predictions for Vikings Breakout Players This Summer
Every summer, at least one or two Minnesota Vikings players bust out of the woodwork, leaving casual fans asking, “Who is that guy?”
We asked our staff to predict the Vikings’ breakout players this summer, and here’s who they came up with this go-round.
Training camp is about six weeks away, and that’s where such performers will begin to stand out.
So, we asked our VikingsTerritory writers to predict the breakout personality at training camp and in the preseason. These were their replies.
1. Theo Jackson (S)
Breakout Predictor: Janik Eckardt
Jackson is more than just a desperate attempt to fill the void created by Camryn Bynum’s departure. He has been good whenever he was given the chance to play on defense, and the fourth-year defender will show that he will be a starter for years to come.
2. Bo Richter (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Tony Schultz
Many will likely pick someone like Dallas Turner or Tai Felton. Let’s dig deeper. I’d say Bo Richter is going to move forward in more ways than one. He has been solid in special teams, but has also shown up when he had opportunities on defense. With Patrick Jones gone, that backup defensive end spot opens up, and he will take advantage.
3. Max Brosmer (QB)
Breakout Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Currently, the QB4 will quickly resemble the QB3, while inspiring hope that he could become the long-term QB2.
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
Breakout Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
The Vikings are hoping one of their young CBs will step up this summer, as they chose not to draft a corner in the draft. Blackmon may be the favorite for the CB3 job, but McGlothern impressed the staff last season and will have a shot.
5. Tai Felton (WR)
Breakout Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
He’ll need to cut into Jalen Nailor’s reps if he’s going to make a serious impact, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he ultimately winds up as the third wideout. The talent is legit.
6. Justin Skule (OT)
Breakout Predictor: Wesley Johnson
If all goes well, you likely will not hear much from Skule, as that means Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw had fully healthy 2025 campaigns. The more likely scenario is that the Vikings ease Darrisaw back from a late October knee injury during the first few weeks of the season. Enter Skule, who performed admirably as a swing tackle last season with Tampa Bay.
He should be able to provide more on the edge than Cam Robinson was able to offer. Protecting J.J. McCarthy’s blindside and keeping him upright will be of the utmost importance this season. Skol for Skule.
7. Rondale Moore (WR)
Breakout Predictor: Josh Frey
Opposing defenses will have a tough enough time dealing with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson this year that someone is going to slip through the cracks in pass coverage. Rondale Moore has 4.3 speed and the shiftiness to come up with a few big plays in an offense that arguably is the best he’s played for since entering the NFL in 2021.
8. Jay Ward (S)
Breakout Predictor: Cole Smith
My summer breakout Viking is Jay Ward. Everyone is focusing on Theo Jackson getting an extended role, which I also believe to be true.
But I keep hearing about Ward making an impact in minicamp. Ward has brought physicality to the field in limited exposure. Can he combine that with football savvy and IQ to contribute some on defense in 2025?
9. Gabriel Murphy (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
He could very well see a decent amount of snaps this season, along with a significant role on special teams.
10. Silas Bolden (WR)
Breakout Predictor: Dustin Baker
This shall have a caveat — Bolden turns heads as a punt returner.
The man has 4.38 speed, and the Vikings have not re-signed Brandon Powell this offseason, the club’s punt returner for the last two seasons. Jalen Nailor could win the punt returning job, but let’s roll with Bolden to score the upset, earning a spot on the roster as WR5 — or WR6 if Kevin O’Connell keeps six wide receivers.
This could possibly mean that Rondale Moore doesn’t make it to the regular season roster.
11. Dallas Turner (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Adam New
After a somewhat quiet rookie season that led to question marks over his first-round selection. Dallas Turner will explode in Year 2 and reach double figures in sacks and build a reputation as one of the league’s best young pass rushers.
You must be logged in to post a comment.