5 Bold Predictions for Mr. Mankato
Training camp is 20 days away for the Minnesota Vikings, and the preseason is two weeks after that.
Every year, one unsung Vikings player seizes the hearts of fans at training camp. Here are 5 bold predictions from fans for Mr. Mankato 2025.
Folks will pay the utmost attention to camp this year as the Vikings are particularly exciting because of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
But under-the-radar performers will stand off the page, too, and someone will win the semi-mythological “Mr. Mankato” award when it’s all said and done. Mr. Mankato is the unsung Vikings performer who wins training camp in the court of public opinion.
These are past winners:
2014: Adam Thielen
2015: Stefon Diggs
2016: Jayron Kearse
2017: Tashawn Bower
2018: Kyle Sloter
2019: Brandon Dillon
2020: Cameron Dantzler
2021: K.J. Osborn
2022: Brian Asamoah
2023: Ivan Pace Jr.
2024: Jalen Nailor or Levi Drake Rodriguez
So, we asked a panel of purple fans to predict this year’s winner, and here’s what they said.
Mr. Mankato Predictions from Vikings Fans
Fans predict the future at Vikings training camp.
1. Silas Bolden (WR)
Predictor: Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson
It’s interesting to note that previous winners didn’t always have a stellar career with the Vikings. There’s no question that last year, the “new” contributions for the 14-win season came from free agents, and that may happen again.
Nevertheless, I am excited about our first-round rookie, Jackson. On the other hand, I understand that first-round draft picks are not eligible for consideration for Mr. Mankato. So, I will have to suggest Silas Bolden. It’s pure speculation on my part. It’s really a good question this week.
2. Jeshaun Jones (WR)
Predictor: Jens for Norway | @rednpurple77
Just a feeling he’ll catch fire in training camp.
3. Gabriel Murphy (OLB)
Predictor: Tadd | @st7cubs
Murphy stood out and could’ve been Mr. Mankato at last year’s camp. Being placed on IR before the season cut things short, and he didn’t get much playing time when he returned in November. I fully expect him to be healthy and build that buzz back up.
Murphy’s scouting report from NFL.com coming out of college in 2024: “What Murphy lacks in size and length he makes up for with skill and production. He’s short-armed, which will worry teams on the pro level, but his hands are so sudden and polished that it tends to ease concerns. He works his hands and feet in perfect harmony to elude blockers like a shifty runner eluding tacklers.”
“Murphy could struggle to survive against run blockers who square him up, but he typically finds a way to slither out of sustain attempts on the collegiate level. He failed to dominate one-on-one opportunities at East-West Shrine Bowl practices, but his ability to maneuver into the backfield as a run defender and pass rusher has merit and should give him a shot to become a solid 3-4 edge rusher.”
t5. Zemaiah Vaughn (CB)
Predictor: Steve Berglund | @Vikesin18
I’m going with Zemaiah Vaughn. I think Brian Flores is going to love his height, and he’s going to flash and spend time working with 1’s.
t5. Zemaiah Vaughn (CB)
Predictor: Eric Horstman | @ehorstman23
My prediction for Mr. Mankato 2025 is Zemaiah Vaughn. It seemed like he was flashing a lot during OTAs, and I think his size and fit with Flores will allow him to shine during training camp as well.
Our own Janik Eckardt wrote about Vaughn last month, “NFL teams usually keep between five and seven cornerbacks on their 53-man roster, depending on how much room they have, but also how much special-teams contributions they get from that crew. In 2023, the Vikings strangely kept only four, but that was highly unusual.”
“To remain on the roster, Vaughn has to surpass some of his teammates and show special-teams ability. The first four are likely safe and will be the top guys in the rotation. Special-teams ace Tavierre Thomas could get a spot because of his experience and third-phase prowess, and last year’s UDFA and preseason standout McGlothern stayed on the roster all season in 2024.”
Vaughn is a name to circle at training camp and in the preseason. He might have the “it” gene.
Eckardt concluded about the Vikings’ cornerbacks and Vaughn: “Ambry Thomas played meaningful snaps with the 49ers and could have a chance, too. Garber is a fellow UDFA. Steward went unclaimed in 2024 and also made some plays in the preseason for the Bears. Hailassie played in ten games through the last two seasons with the Browns.”
“Vaughn will get his chances in the preseason, and if he can hold up against Minnesota’s talented wideouts, he could snatch a roster spot.”
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