In the midst of the difficult conversations they had to have last week, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah or head coach Kevin O’Connell also got to tell number of players their dreams were coming true.
That wasn’t lost on either of them as they reflected on how many undrafted free agents that made the active roster.
“We talk about a culture built on competitiveness,” Adofo-Mensah said. “That’s always going to be our pitch. You can come here and have a chance. It’s a true meritocracy, and the Vikings will be that as long as we’re here.”
The group of undrafted free agents that made the Vikings this summer comprises former Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer, receiver Myles Price, tight end Ben Yurosek, offensive lineman Joe Huber, defensive lineman Elijah Williams, edge rusher Chaz Chambliss, and linebacker Austin Keys.
Here’s a scouting report on each player:
Max Brosmer
Position: Quarterback
College: Minnesota
Analysis: It was clear Brosmer belonged as soon as he stepped on the field for rookie minicamp. His mental capacity is his superpower. He absorbed the playbook in short order, and that momentum continued in training camp. Not only did Brosmer show command of the offense in his limited reps, he consistently made throws that turned heads. His performances in the exhibition games solidified his spot on the active roster. He’s a future backup quarterback for the Vikings, and perhaps a starter somewhere else later in his career.
Myles Price
Position: Receiver
College: Indiana
Analysis: Unless the Vikings make another move in the very near future, Price is going to be the starting punt returner. He separated himself from some of his peers in the exhibition games by proving how dynamic he can be with the ball in his hands. The key for Price will be ball security; he had his fair share of muffs in training camp. That can’t happen if Price wants to carve out a niche for himself long term.
Ben Yurosek
Position: Tight End
College: Georgia
Analysis: There’s a reason the Vikings guaranteed Yurosek more than $250,000 to sign with them: They believe he can be an impact player as a receiver and run blocker. He proved throughout training camp that he can do both at a high level. Though he won’t see a lot of snaps with star tight end T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver shouldering the load, Yurosek will get a chance to prove himself at some point.
Joe Huber
Position: Offensive lineman
College: Wisconsin
Analysis: No depth offensive lineman graded out better than Huber in the exhibition games. That explains how he found his way onto the active roster. It helps that Huber has some positional flexibility, proving himself capable of playing both guard positions — and dabbling at center — throughout camp. If the Vikings need somebody to play in a pinch, Huber could fill a a few different roles.
Elijah Williams
Position: Defensive lineman
College: Morgan State
Analysis: There’s an argument to be made that Williams has the best story all Vikings players. To say he was a long shot to make the active roster would be an understatement. After coming to the Vikings on a tryout in rookie minicamp, he impressed at every turn. Not only did he establish himself as a disruptor on defense, he showcased himself as a willing contributor on special teams. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him make a few splash plays at some point.
Chaz Chambliss
Position: Edge rusher
College: Georgia
Analysis: The Vikings want to improve their special teams, and Chambliss could be a big factor. He lined up all over the field in the exhibition games. That’s why he’s still here. In a perfect world for Chambliss, he will follow in the footsteps of safety Josh Metellus, who started as an ace on special teams before gradually earning more responsibility on defense.
Austin Keys
Position: Linebacker
College: Auburn
Analysis: Another reason the Vikings might improve on special teams. The motor that Keys possesses is undeniable. He goes 100 mph as soon as the ball is snapped. That type of reckless abandon is exactly what special teams coordinator Matt Daniels wants in his players.
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