The Vikings’ Most Important New Addition
The Minnesota Vikings added over 40 new players this offseason, expanding the roster to 90 players for training camp and the preseason.
We asked Vikings fans to predict which 2025 roster newcomer will have the biggest impact in 2025, from rookies to free agents. These are the nominees.
Of course, the roster will be shaved to 53 men by the end of August, but in the meantime, we asked Vikings fans to identify which newcomers will have the most impact in 2025.
Here’s the question to our panel: “Which Vikings newcomer of the offseason — from free agency or the draft — will have the most impact when it’s all said and done, and we look back on the 2025 season? What’s his name?”
You can read last week’s article from the fan panel here.
6 Predictions from Fans about Vikings’ Most Impactful Newcomer
1. Donovan Jackson (G)
Predictor: Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson
Last year, we had some major hits in free agency, including Sam Darnold. I hope this year can be similar to last year. I’m having a hard time predicting which free agent will impact the most, so I’m going to go with the rookie, Donovan Jackson. I think he’s going to be the talk of the town.
2. Jordan Mason (RB)
Predictor: Chris | @skol227
Jordan Mason will have the most impact of the new players on the team. He will take pressure off J.J. McCarthy and will give the Vikings a much-needed running game along with Aaron Jones.
Vikings.com’s Craig Peters wrote about Mason after free agency: “An ankle injury led to Mason being placed on Injured Reserve in December and prevented him from carding his first 1,000-yard season, but when he was on the field, he was hard to take down.”
According to Next Gen Stats, Mason recorded 57 missed tackles forced, which was good for an MTF percentage of 37.3 that led all NFL players with at least 150 rush attempts in 2024. NGS credited Mason with 207 rush yards over expected, which ranked seventh among NFL qualifiers, and TruMedia counted his yards after contact per rush at 3.62, which ranked sixth among qualifiers.”
3. Jonathan Allen (DT)
Predictor: Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23
My prediction on this will be Jonathan Allen. The defensive line has been lacking a presence like him for a long time. He will make a huge impact this season, and pairing him with Hargrave and HP will only help him this season.
4. Will Fries (G)
Predictor: Skol Tom | @SkolfromWI
I think the newcomer that will have the most impact this season has to be a choice between Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. Solidifying the offensive line will allow this offense to run the ball more effectively and protect J.J. in the pocket. It’s tough to pick between the two, but I would predict Will Fries will have the bigger impact replacing the turnstile that we previously had at the guard position (not that the center was any better).
t5. Ryan Kelly (C)
Predictor: Tadd | @st7cubs
Garrett Bradbury ranked 55th out of 64 centers in PFF’s pass-blocking grades for 2024. The Vikings have upgraded with Kelly, who ranked 12th in that category. The eye test will match those analytics, and that’s great for J.J. McCarthy.
t5. Ryan Kelly (C)
Predictor: Ivan, Czar of Bohunks | @up4discussion_7
It’s simple, as a former center, “the QB of the offensive line” is as much a part of a young quarterback’s success as his wide receivers. Kelly puts out a decent offensive line, firmly above average at worst.
t6. Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
Predictor: Steve Berglund | @Vikesin18
I think it’s going to be Isaiah Rodgers. In Brian Flores, I trust. This guy is very athletic, and Flores really wanted him. That’s enough for me.
t6. Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
Predictor: Jens from Norway | @rednpurple77
Gonna go out on a limb and say Isaiah Rodgers. At this point, I trust Brian Flores completely. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the Defensive Player of the Year. I’m only halfway joking. I think our gambler will be good.
J.J. McCarthy Is about to Shock People
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