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5 Vikings UDFA Talents to Know Ahead of Training Camp
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- 5 Vikings UDFA Talents to Know Ahead of Training Camp
Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Recent years have featured no shortage of Vikings UDFA success stories. The 2026 season could involve more unheralded talents shining.
Rob Brzezinski was leading the Vikings' front office when most of the UDFAs were added. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been fired but Nolan Teasley hadn't yet been hired. Since the end of April, the front office has been undergoing an overhaul, resulting in some executives being shown the door. Teasley then brought in some unheralded talent of his own. Consider some of the most notable names ahead of camp competition (shout out to Over the Cap ).
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Vikings UDFA Talents to Know for Training Camp
Player No. 1 — Dillon Bell, WR/KR
Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) makes a catch to score a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The versatile weapon on offense really jumps off the field. He moves explosively and boasts nice size. Getting him to town meant guaranteeing a hearty $272,500 within his contract. Even better is that he appears capable of helping on specials. Almost feels like he's favored to get onto the 53-man roster even if there's no sure thing for an undrafted talent.
Player No. 2 — Brett Thorson, P
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the ball to the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The issue for Mr. Thorson has little to do with punting the football. In all likelihood, the rookie can do a better job of launching the football far down the field than veteran Johnny Hekker . Can he do a good enough job as a holder? Matt Daniels expressed plenty of optimism . Still, though, it's tough to know if he can handle the pressure in major moments. The Vikings will try to find out.
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Player No. 3 — Delby Lemieux, iOL
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) calls signals during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
In Lemieux, the Vikings have a young lineman who appears to be quite smart and who performed well within a lower level of college football (he played for Dartmouth, an Ivy League school). Much remains unsettled for the interior of the offensive line once one looks past LG1 Donovan Jackson and RG1 Will Fries . Opportunity beckons.
Player No. 4 — Triston Leigh, OL
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Tristan Leigh (71) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The rookie lineman was a 5-star recruit going into college. He then had a modest career at Clemson. Where does he settle as an NFL player? Leigh boasts a great build and earned a beefy $262,500 in guaranteed money to become a Viking. Again, there's room for someone to emerge along the interior for the Vikings.
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Player No. 5 — Michael Briscoe, WR
Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Seattle Seahawks players run out of the tunnel before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Vikings have a true battle taking place at receiver. Nobody is going to overcome the top trio of Justin Jefferson , Jordan Addison , and Jauan Jennings . After those three it could be a bloodbath. A ton of talent is going to jostle for what is a maximum of three open positions. Where Briscoe could emerge is due to being a Seattle UDFA add prior to joining the Vikings. He stands at 6'2″ and is 210 pounds. He'll need to overcome some combo of Tai Felton , Myles Price , Bell, Jeshaun Jones , and several others.
