6 Vikings Players on the Roster Bubble after the Draft
With the 2026 NFL draft now less than three weeks away, there will soon be an influx of new talent in Minnesota following this year’s Vikings draft. It will be a dream come true for the rookies entering the league, but after this year’s draft is finished, some current players will be looking over their shoulders.
Six Vikings Feeling Immediate Heat From Incoming Draft Class
When the time comes to cut down to a final 53-man roster in August, it would be a surprise if any drafted rookie didn’t make it, assuming they are healthy. That leaves those on the edge of the roster in jeopardy, as players are drafted at their position. There are several players currently on the Vikings roster that aren’t expected to be there come the start of the season, barring a phenomenal preseason performance.
However, there is a group of players who would be penciled in on the 53-man roster right now, but could be out come January, especially if this year’s Vikings draft sees rookies drafted at their position. There are six that should be watched carefully during the draft.
Michael Jurgens — Center
The Vikings have confirmed that Blake Brandel is moving to center and looks set to be the starter as it stands. I’ve gone on record with my doubts about that and suggested drafting a center early is required to make that plan more viable. If Minnesota drafts a center on Day 2 it pushes Jurgens down to third choice, however, he has the versatility to play guard.
The Vikings look very weak at guard outside the two starters, which could give Jurgens a way to stay on the roster, but the Vikings probably need to look to strengthen the offensive line on Day 3. Jurgens has been in Minnesota for two years now and got the opportunity to start a couple of games last season. We didn’t see anything to suggest he was about to break through.
Joe Huber — Guard
As stated above, the depth at guard in Minnesota is weak and desperately needs attention. Joe Huber got limited playing time during last season’s OL injury crisis, and last year’s undrafted rookie struggled.
He may show development during his second preseason, but the Vikings absolutely need to bring in some depth and competition at this position. Huber should only be on the final roster if he’s earned it; right now, he’s getting on there by default.
Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew — Tight End
TJ Hockenson will remain the Vikings’ TE1 this year, but his reworked deal sees him as a free agent at the end of the season. Josh Oliver is a good TE with excellent blocking ability, but not the dynamic passing TE that Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs.
Rather than waiting until next year, the Vikings could look to draft that player a year early if the board falls the right way during the draft, giving them a Kenyon Sadiq or Eli Stowers.
If that did happen, it would leave at least one of Ben Yurosek or Gavin Bartholomew facing the chop. Both entered the league last year, Bartholomew as a sixth-round pick and Yurosek undrafted. Bartholomew lost his rookie season to injury, allowing Yurosek to jump ahead of him.
Whether it is for a final spot on the roster or to determine who is TE3, this could be an interesting training camp battle.
Dwight McGlothern — Cornerback
Another of the many undrafted players who have gotten onto the Vikings roster in recent seasons. There was a lot of hope surrounding Dwignt McGlothern, but despite cornerback not being a strong position for the Vikings, he has seen minimal playing time.
McGlothern doesn’t play much special teams either, often finding himself inactive on game day. With the signing of James Pierre in free agency, if the Vikings look to add at CB in the draft, McGlothern’s days could be numbered.
Theo Jackson — Safety
Theo Jackson has done a solid job as a good depth player in Minnesota over the last four seasons. 2023 fourth-round draft pick Jay Ward has developed to a point that he should be ahead of Jackson now. While the future of Harrison Smith still seems uncertain, safety is the favored position for the Vikings to select in the first round of this year’s draft, according to most draft analysts.
Whether that is the case or not, I would expect a safety to be drafted at some point. With Tavierre Thomas re-signing as a special teams specialist, it would leave Jackson on the edge of the roster bubble.
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