Scott Clause-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports
Every year, several UDFAs make the final roster. Will any of these five of the Vikings’ UDFA players get onto the 2024 roster?
Since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over, we’ve seen Minnesota welcome UDFAs like punter Ryan Wright, edge rusher Luiji Vilain, edge rusher Andre Carter II, linebacker Ivan Pace, and special teams ace NaJee Thompson. Who is going to be this year’s version of those players? Helping us to answer that question has been some recent work on PurplePTSD. Consider some of the pieces that have been written by reading a key quote as an appetizer before jumping in for the full meal by following the provided link.
Five of The Vikings’ UDFA Players
UDFA #1 — WR Jeshaun Jones (LINK)
Dec 30, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Colton Hood (24) tips the ball thrown to Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (6) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Quote: “Add it all together and one wonders if the Vikings are betting on versatility. After all, it’s one of their most prized abilities. Jones’ stats point toward a player with the potential to help at several different areas, which can often be the difference when it comes to a UDFA sticking around.”
UDFA #2 — EDGE Bo Richter (LINK)
Nov 26, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Air Force Falcons linebacker PJ Ramsey (13) is congratulated by linebacker Bo Richter (8) after sacking San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Jalen Mayden (18) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Quote: “The NFL blurb mentions special teams, which is undoubtedly a crucial piece of the puzzle for any depth player. But then Richter will need to show some front-seven versatility, as well. Any chance he can add a bit of weight and kick inside to 3T/5T on passing downs? Or could he be an off-ball linebacker? These are questions he’ll look to answer during the summer.”
UDFA #3 — LB K.J. Cloyd (LINK)
Sep 9, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Rueben Owens (2) catches the football but cannot keep control of it as Miami Hurricanes linebacker K.J. Cloyd (23) defends during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Quote: “K.J. Cloyd won’t be leapfrogging all of those names. Success for the UDFA LB may simply involve getting a spot on the practice squad so he can continue developing. One day, he may be able to leverage his initial opportunity into a shot to help on specials and then keep building from there.”
UDFA #4 — EDGE Gabriel Murphy (LINK)
Oct 7, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Gabriel Murphy (11) celebrates after sacking Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Quote: “Along with his aforementioned athleticism and agility, he possesses the central flexibility to gain leverage with his body against pass protectors at a high rate. His high motor and relentlessness leads to more production where some edge rushers might give up on the play, but Murphy isn’t that type of player. He has never been one to give up on the play and pushes through no matter the situation.”
UDFA #5 — CB Dwight McGlothern (LINK)
Nov 11, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Dwight McGlothern (2) celebrates his interception during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Quote: “PFF gave him a sizzling 91.3 grade for his on-field efforts. There were 25 targets into his coverage, leading to just 12 receptions, 132 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. QBs had a paltry 51.2 passer rating when going after him.”
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
Source link : https://purpleptsd.com/2024/vikings/vikings-analysis/vikings-udfa-players/
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Publish date : 2024-06-30 09:15:00
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