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5 Surprise Players Who Could Make the Vikings’ Final Roster
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- 5 Surprise Players Who Could Make the Vikings’ Final Roster
Steve Roberts
In three months, the Minnesota Vikings will trim their roster from 90 to 53 players, an annual tradition that slashes the roster by 41%.
When we published this list last year, we connected on four of six selections/predictions. You can read that hindsight here .
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Here's the list of surprise Vikings roster hopefuls, listed alphabetically.
Vikings' Roster Longshots Start the Summer Push
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell looks on following the SEC Championship Game against Alabama. The moment occurred on December 6, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Bell wrapped up another season as a versatile offensive weapon for Georgia during one of college football's premier conference title matchups. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dillon Bell | WR
Bell is a player to watch, with a backdoor to secure a roster spot. At 6 feet 1 inch and 210 pounds, with a 4.50 speed, Bell has the size and athleticism to make an impact at Vikings training camp. His best chance to earn a roster position lies in his versatility: he can block, contribute on special teams, execute gadget plays, and provide enough offensive flexibility to catch the coaches' attention.
He resembles a lighter version of Deebo Samuel. If Minnesota is looking for a receiver who can move around the formation, take designed touches, block effectively, and offer utility in the backfield, Bell fits that profile.
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University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on Bell : "He's a positionless player. He can play tight end. He can play Wildcat quarterback. He can play tailback. He's certainly a good receiver. He's a great returner. That's what people are moving to in the NFL, guys that can go out there and create matchups."
"He does that. He can be in the backfield and create some problems for the defense. But more important than that, he's a great person. He led by example here. He never complained once about snaps and touches, and that says a lot about what he brought into the team."
Jeshaun Jones | WR
The Vikings called Jones up from the practice squad last season, mainly because he has punt return versatility. There's a chance that the coaching staff keeps five or six wideouts this year, with Jones rounding out the group.
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He was discovered in 2024 undrafted free agency, and at age 26 heading into 2026, the time is now for Jones if he wants to become a meaningful regular season contributor. His longevity on the practice squad suggests he's due for a 53-man roster addition — if he has the juice for it this summer.
Jacob Thomas | S
Thomas faces a difficult path to the roster, primarily due to the Vikings' depth at safety.
Last year, Minnesota retained nine defensive backs on its initial regular-season roster — five safeties and four cornerbacks — so Thomas will need some fortunate breaks. If Harrison Smith returns, Thomas's chances diminish further. Even if Smith remains retired, Thomas must outperform players like Theo Jackson , Kahlef Hailassie , and Tavierre Thomas .
James Madison Dukes safety Jacob Thomas defends a pass intended for Air Force wide receiver Jared Roznos near the goal line. The play unfolded on December 23, 2023, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, where Thomas competed in a bowl-game matchup between James Madison and Air Force. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
His resume is impressive. At 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds, Thomas played 50 games at James Madison, accumulating 199 tackles, five interceptions, and 2.5 sacks over four seasons, demonstrating a vast collegiate workload.
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Additionally, he shares a position room with rookie Jakobe Thomas, complicating his standing on the depth chart. There are now two Thomases in Minnesota: Jakobe and Jacob.
There is a chance, though, that he's too good to cut in late August.
Cam'Ron Stewart | OLB
Stewart possesses the burst that makes him the most intriguing player in this group. While his time at Rutgers was unremarkable, his performance at Temple was transformative. In 2025, Stewart recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, with pressure numbers reportedly reflecting his production.
The key question is whether his late breakout can be sustained. EDGE rushers in this tier typically need one standout trait, and Stewart's is explosiveness. If he can demonstrate that against NFL tackles during the preseason, he might secure a spot on the roster.
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Special teams will also play a significant role. For a longshot to make the team, simply showing pass-rush potential may not be enough.
In 2024, Minnesota kept undrafted EDGE Bo Richter for the 53-man roster. In 2025, Tyler Batty , also an outside linebacker, followed suit. Stewart is the logical next option if the Vikings continue the pattern. It also helps Stewart's chances that Minnesota has no clear-cut OLB3, unless it uses rookie Jake Golday or fully converts Tyrion Ingram-Dawkings to OLB.
Smith Vilbert | DT
Vilbert appears to be a classic Brian Flores lottery ticket.
North Carolina defensive lineman Smith Vilbert pursues Richmond running back Andrew King during second-quarter action in Chapel Hill. The play took place on September 13, 2025, at Kenan Stadium, where Vilbert helped lead the Tar Heels' defensive effort against the Spiders during nonconference competition. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
At 6 feet 6 inches and 282 pounds, he has the size and length to adapt across the defensive front. Minnesota can utilize him as a traditional defensive tackle, a five-technique, or a bulkier edge presence. This flexibility is crucial in Flores' defense, where fronts shift, assignments vary, and linemen must create a disguise before the snap.
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Still, his path to the 53-man roster remains challenging. The Vikings have already invested in rookies TDs Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange , so Vilbert will likely need a standout training camp, strong preseason performance, and contributions on special teams to be considered. A practice squad spot seems more realistic.
Nevertheless, the potential is there. With Bill Belichick's refinement at North Carolina, if that development has taken hold, Minnesota might have a genuine diamond-in-the-rough candidate on their hands. Belichick must've said something to his pal Flores, right?
