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4 Surprising Vikings Players Turning Heads in Training Camp
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- 4 Surprising Vikings Players Turning Heads in Training Camp
The Vikings are heading into their last week of training camp before their preseason begins next Saturday against the New York Giants . The Vikings' training camp has been full of revelations, whether it's positional battles being fought and the 53-man roster taking shape or whether it's Kyler Murray taking a commanding lead in the battle for QB1 over J.J. McCarthy . Some of the best revelations for the team, however, have come in the form of individual performances from players that didn't come into camp with huge name recognition, but have surprisingly turned heads and become the big stories on the team. If you have been paying attention to our stories from camp, you won't be too shocked by some of these names, but they certainly weren't on many people's radar coming into camp.
Charles Demmings
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Charles Demmings (16) of Stephen F. Austin guards National wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) of Baylor during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Charles "Chuck" Demmings was somebody that I highlighted early as a potential diamond in the rough in the 2026 NFL draft after being picked in the fifth round. Since then, Demmings has been a dominant presence at training camp, consistently working his way onto the first-team unit and matching up against star receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison . Demmings has had confidence and swagger in his play as he's locked down receivers and impressed coaches as he looks to prove his worth as a potential starter going forward.
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Tai Felton
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) returns the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Tai Felton didn't play much last season and got pushed down on the depth chart after the signing of veteran receiver Jauan Jennings , but he's come into camp with a chip on his shoulder and has been a huge playmaking X-factor for the team in practices so far. If that play can translate to the preseason and then the regular season, Felton could provide a valuable asset to a receiving corps that is already one of the best in the league .
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Gavin Bartholomew
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew (TE02) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After missing his whole rookie season last year due to a back injury, the former Pitt tight end entered camp firmly on the bubble as he needed to beat former undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek for the third tight end slot on the roster. Bartholomew has certainly done that as he has consistently made plays in both the passing game and running game and has stood out on the second offensive unit. Bartholomew might not get a ton of offensive reps this season unless an injury upends the tight end room higher up on the depth chart. Bartholomew, however, projects as a potential difference maker on special teams and could come in on three-tight-end sets as a solid blocker.
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Dontae Fleming
Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Dontae Fleming (19) celebrates a first down against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Dontae Fleming has been the biggest surprise to me as I came into camp assuming that undrafted rookie Dillon Bell from Georgia would have the inside track for the last receiver spot on the roster behind kick returner Myles Price , after his stellar performance at rookie minicamp. Fleming, however, has consistently turned heads since the start of training camp, making catch after catch and making a case for himself as WR6. The battle for that spot is certainly not done, and Fleming still has some work to do to make the roster, but he is certainly someone to watch going into the preseason.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
