Story by
Vikings Rookies Who Will Stand Out the Most in Preseason Action vs. Giants
- Story by
- Vikings Rookies Who Will Stand Out the Most in Preseason Action vs. Giants
The Vikings play the Giants at noon local time for the team's first bit of live action in the 2026 season as we begin the preseason. We've highlighted some of the highly drafted rookies like Caleb Banks and Jake Golday who are sure to make an impact on defense in their rookie seasons, but who should we keep our eyes on for this game specifically, as many of the team's rookies try to make a name for themselves? These are guys who have already had good training camps and, I think, have the best chance of turning heads in the game today.
Max Bredeson
Advertisement
Blue Team tight end Max Bredeson (44) celebrates a first down against Maize Team during the first half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Bredeson is looking to fill C.J. Ham's shoes as one of the best fullbacks in the league as the Vikings are looking to continue their trend of utilizing the oft-forgotten position in a significant way. Expect Max Bredeson to be an aspect on offense potentially throughout the game, as he could get reps with the first, second, and third units. I'm specifically interested in seeing him on the second team alongside former Michigan teammate and recently announced backup J.J. McCarthy . Bredeson could be a key blocker as well as a check-down option for the young passer as he looks to develop his game as the team's backup quarterback.
Domonique Orange
Advertisement
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
"Big Citrus" is not only one of the best nicknames in the league, but Orange himself is one of the better young players on the Vikings defense. While all eyes are going to be on first-round pick Caleb Banks as the rookie on the defensive line who could make the biggest impact, it's guys like Domonique Orange who usually rise to the occasion while the spotlight is on others and end up being the real star of the show. Orange has the size, strength, and production that could translate to early success in the NFL ; I'm expecting him to try and show out and earn more reps in the inevitable defensive line rotation in the regular season.
Charles Demmings
Advertisement
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 Demmings is my vote for Mr. Mankato as the best player at training camp; he's been an absolute revelation for the team , and he's already forcing the question of whether he should be a starter in Week 1 . I'm expecting him to play just as well in the preseason as he has been in camp, and I think Vikings fans are all going to know his name by this time tomorrow.
Brett Thorson
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brett Thorson of Georgia punts the ball during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While punters aren't the usual suspects for the guys who will turn heads in a preseason game, this guy could potentially do just that. He was a fan favorite at Georgia, and he has one heck of a leg on him. Thorson's strong leg already has most pundits (myself included) assuming that he will win the position battle against veteran free agent Johnny Hekker . Unlike Hekker, who doesn't quite have the leg that he used to, the ball absolutely flies off Thorson's foot, and it should paint quite a contrast for Vikings fans during the game, as it's likely that both of them will get the opportunity to punt the ball at least once assuming that the Vikings offense doesn't go off for 500 yards and seven touchdowns.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
