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The Vikings’ In-House Pass Rusher Looks Like a Wild Card in EDGE3 Battle
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- The Vikings’ In-House Pass Rusher Looks Like a Wild Card in EDGE3 Battle
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Vikings ' in-house talent at edge rusher isn't inspiring a ton of optimism . As a result, some are expressing concern, especially with Jadeveon Clowney getting taken out of free agency ?
What of Chaz Chambliss ?
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The Georgia alumnus got added last offseason from within undrafted free agency. He was among the many UDFA players to crack the 53-man roster for 2025. Most of his contributions came as a special teams asset but he played on defense, albeit in a modest manner. Any chance the unheralded sophomore gets more run than people anticipate?
The Vikings' In-House Pass Rusher Option
Standing at 6'1″ and weighing roughly 245 pounds, Chambliss is a touch small for the position. An ideal world would involve being longer; think a frame that's closer to Danielle Hunter as being the ideal.
But then there's another interesting detail: Eric Wilson , himself a UDFA talent once upon a time, doesn't boast the best build and has still found a way to shine. Could Chambliss see what the veteran did and then go do likewise? It's a lofty goal that's unlikely to be attained, but Wilson is someone to emulate.
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle John Ojukwu (61) blocks Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chaz Chambliss (57) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
During the 2025 season, Chambliss played in a dozen games. His total workload finished off at 25 snaps on defense alongside 183 snaps on special teams. In all likelihood, he's looking at a similar dynamic going into the current season — a workload heavily tilting toward special teams — but he's trying to change that modest outlook. He can do so if he proves capable of walloping the quarterback with some regularity.
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As for statistics, Chaz Chambliss didn't get totally shutout as a rookie. He had 8 tackles and 1 sack as a rookie.
The defender played his college ball for Georgia, overlapping with players such as Lewis Cine and Ty Ingram-Dawkins. His final season involved 40 tackles alongside 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Not earth shattering, but some production from within one of college football's foremost programs.
Given his build, Chambliss may need to dabble with being an off-ball linebacker. Doing so would enhance his appeal for Brian Flores, a coordinator who enjoys working with smart, versatile players. Offering up some of that coveted versatility allows the DC to increase the pre- and post-snap chaos, creating confusion along the way.
And, to be sure, there's something to be said for just pinning one's ears back. After Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner , the Vikings' in-house edge rusher options don't inspire huge optimism. Think Bo Richter , Tyler Batty , and a couple others. Nice depth but nobody who can be identified as fully settling the EDGE3 debate.
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What's odd is that Minnesota doesn't appear too worried, suggesting there are players in town who can do well when called upon. Is there untapped potential in Chambliss?
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool (9) catches a pass behind Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chaz Chambliss (32) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Getting him to the Twin Cities meant sending over $220,000 in guaranteed money, per Over the Cap . The implication is that several teams were competing for his services after the draft. Former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did well at bringing undrafted talent to town; Chambliss is merely one example of that approach paying off.
Choosing the Vikings worked reasonably well for both sides. Things will look ever better if the sophomore blossoms into a mainstay of the pass rushing rotation in 2026.
Chaz Chambliss is still only 23.
