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3 Vikings’ Players Who Need a Big Training Camp to Save Their Roster Spot
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- 3 Vikings’ Players Who Need a Big Training Camp to Save Their Roster Spot
The Vikings ' training camp has begun, and we've already seen many developments unfold, from the quarterback battle getting underway to a huge contract extension to the addition of former All-Pro safety turned linebacker Jamal Adams . NFL training camp isn't always about the big, flashy headlines; however, the main purpose of training camp is for the team to get into shape both as individual players in a conditioning and readiness sense, and for the team roster as a whole to adapt and develop into a winning unit. This involves constant competition throughout the roster and for the coaches to eventually whittle the depth chart down to a group of guys who give the team the best chance of winning.
The training camp process involves all 90 players on the roster, and all of them will be fighting tooth and nail to put themselves in the best position possible on the depth chart, but there are a few guys who are in intense situations in which they'll need to fight extra hard to maintain their position on the roster. These guys are in unique situations with little pre-existing production or high draft stock for coaches and decision-makers to lean on to project their value and give them roster spots on principle. Still, they are talented guys who currently are projected to make the roster but will likely need to put up big training camp performances to prove that they belong on the team and to fight off potential ascendant performances by guys lower on the preseason depth chart.
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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
Bartholomew was a sixth-round pick in 2025 for the Vikings but missed all of last season with a back injury. This will be the first time Vikings coaches will really be able to see him play and evaluate him properly. He currently sits behind former undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek , who provided tight end depth for the team throughout most of last season. Bartholomew has the advantage in draft prestige over Yurosek, but he represents a big question mark for the Vikings, while Yurosek is a known commodity. In order to make up for that fact, Bartholomew will need to impress in training camp and preseason, the former of which he seems to already be doing.
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Bo Richter
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Edge rusher Bo Richter will be entering his third year with the Vikings and has played in 31 games for the team, but he hasn't been able to get many snaps outside of special teams, playing in just 5% of defensive snaps last season. Fortunately for Richter, he is at a spot on the depth chart that is incredibly thin , and he might make the team simply by being the only option. Despite this, he will still need to play his best football in order to stem off the potential of the Vikings bringing in late free-agent additions that could bump him from the roster.
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Taki Taimani
Oct 4, 2024; Watford, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Taki Taimani (94) during practice at The Grove. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Similar to Richter, Taimani is also looking to make the team for his third season in a row despite basically no production. Taimani has played nine games over two seasons for the Vikings but has only played 145 snaps. Despite the absence of production, Taimani has been a reliable depth piece on the defensive line. He has the trust of the coaches to potentially make the roster for another season. Still, he's going to need to be productive in the preseason in order to beat veteran defensive tackles like Eric Johnson and
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
