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Vikings Youngster Fails Physical
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- Vikings Youngster Fails Physical
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He was best known to Minnesota Vikings fans for his catchy name, but Scooby Williams will not be part of the franchise this summer, at least not for now.
Minnesota quickly pivoted to Bangally Kamara, adding another young linebacker to the summer roster mix.
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Williams failed a physical last week and was not included in the team's list of rookies and veterans in attendance at the rookie minicamp .
A Brief Scooby Stay Ends before Training Camp
Scooby skedaddles.
Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Scooby Williams drops into pass coverage during fourth-quarter action against the Missouri Tigers on Oct. 5, 2024, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Williams continued showcasing his range and athleticism in SEC competition after transferring from Florida, giving scouts another extended look at his movement skills and defensive versatility during the 2024 season. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
A Failed Physical for Williams
Hardcore Vikings fans on social media asked late last week, "Where's Scooby?"
A few days later, there's an answer. SI.com 's Will Ragatz wrote , "Williams attended the combine but never did athletic testing in the pre-draft process for injury reasons, and it appears a medical issue has resulted in him not officially putting pen to paper with the Vikings. The Vikings' official website's story on the 19 UDFAs has a May 11 update that states 'Williams did not sign with the Vikings.'"
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"That explains why he wasn't on the roster for last Friday's rookie minicamp , which some astute diehard fans noticed. And on Tuesday, replying to one of those fans on X, The Athletic 's Alec Lewis reported that an issue with Williams' physical is the reason."
Williams will have to regroup, bide his time, and try out for the Vikings or another team later this summer.
The College Scouting Report
Williams is 6'2″ and 231 pounds with 4.65 speed. He has sweet measurables for an inside linebacker, so, for his sake, hopefully his medicals clear up before too long.
He's known for his range, instincts, size, and athleticism. Williams just kind of "looks the part" of what a linebacker could be with some proper coaching and development.
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The Athletic 's Dane Brugler on Williams : "Williams doesn't have a distinguishing trait, but he's solid across the board with the size, speed and strength to carve out a depth role in the NFL. Staying off the injury report could be the greatest obstacle for his pro career."
"A Florida transfer, he was productive when on the field for the Aggies and entered the 2025 season with early-round grades from NFL scouts. However, he missed chunks of his junior and senior seasons because of injuries, which limited his effectiveness."
So far, Williams has not accomplished the injury task mentioned by Brugler. Sadly enough.
Brugler continued, "With his quick, freelancing approach, Williams can make stops at the line and out in space, but there are also plenty of missed gaps and tackles on the other side of that coin."
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"Though longer offensive linemen can cover him up, he does a nice job sifting through the garbage to find the football. He doesn't show much anticipation in coverage but has potential as an open-field player."
Bangally Kamara in the House as a Replacement
Have no fear: the Vikings already onboarded Williams's UDFA replacement, and his name is Bangally Kamara.
His appeal stems primarily from his athleticism and versatility. His impressive athletic profile includes a 4.69 forty-yard dash, a 10-foot-1 broad jump, and 32 1/8-inch arms. The metrics suggest significant positional range and immediate utility in sub-packages. A team like Minnesota, for example, might view him as a developmental linebacker with immediate special teams impact — a crucial factor for prospects contending for a regular season roster spot.
Florida Gators linebacker Scooby Williams pressures Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III during second-half action on Sept. 16, 2023, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Williams flashed downhill burst and pass-rushing ability during the SEC matchup as Florida's defense attempted to slow Tennessee's high-powered offense in one of the Gators' marquee home games of the season. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports.
His collegiate journey, however, was less direct. Kamara transferred twice, beginning at Pittsburgh before stints at South Carolina and Kansas. He ultimately showcased his potential in 2025, accumulating 56 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and a forced fumble over 11 games.
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While his current size suggests he may not immediately be an every-down linebacker, Kamara's exceptional movement skills are undeniable.
Perhaps a Prove-It Contract Down the Road
On Williams, a failed physical doesn't have to be the end of the road. Draft heads — like Brugler — were worried about his injury history, and then those fears came to fruition.
Florida Gators linebacker Scooby Williams runs through drills during afternoon practice on Aug. 17, 2023, at Sanders Practice Field in Gainesville, Florida. The workout came two weeks before Florida opened the regular season against Utah in Salt Lake City, with Williams preparing for a major role in the Gators' defense entering the 2023 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun.
Williams just entered the pros last month. He should be able to heal and audition for a squad this summer. He feels like the type of player who will latch onto a team's practice squad and then bide his time before getting a chance in the regular season. That might even be the Vikings.
He banked 123 tackles in college in 43 games. His NCAA experience was quite vast.
It's also worth noting that he has the perk of a catchy first name. Fans won't easily forget him.
