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Vikings Training Camp Sees 3 Players Emerge as Early Risers
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- Vikings Training Camp Sees 3 Players Emerge as Early Risers
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Much remains to be determined at Vikings training camp. Later on today, the team will continue getting to work on the field, leading to more opportunity for players to assert themselves.
So far, there have been some players to catch the eye of onlookers. Doing so shouldn't be understood as reason to overreact. Nobody in the list below is assured of much beyond just some initial enthusiasm. Nevertheless, consider some of the players who have done well at TCO Performance Center.
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Vikings Training Camp
3 Risers from Some of the First Practices at TCO
Player No. 1 — Tight End Gavin Bartholomew
Nov 30, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew (86) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.
A lot of people have taken notice. Among them are Alec Lewis , Will Ragatz , and Lindsey Young .
As a rookie in 2025, Gavin Bartholomew didn't play a single snap. The reason was due to a back injury that ended his rookie season before it could really get going. Prior to needing time in the infirmary, Kevin O'Connell had been saying some enthusiastic things about the newcomer. Needing time to get back to full health feels cruel, particularly for somebody who was so new to the NFL.
Ideally, Bartholomew can mirror Johnny Mundt . Be an underrated pass catcher who is a high-compete blocker . Better yet, be a monster for special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. The TE3 job is there for the taking.
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Player No. 2 — Corner Chuck Demmings
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National wide receiver Reggie Virgil (15) of Texas Tech grabs a pass over National cornerback Charles Demmings (16) of Stephen F. Austin during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Seemingly everybody is impressed by what Chuck Demmings is doing during training camp.
Look at what Thor Nystrom had to say : "Chuck Demmings is gonna force his way onto the field at some point this fall. Extremely aggressive/energetic presence on D — your eyes gravitate to him. Had a slick breakup today, and got under Jennings' skin late on a short checkdown that Demmings screamed down on."
Demmings comes in at 6'1″ and weighs 195 pounds. He ran a 4.4 forty. Putting that in baseball terms would mean describing a pitcher with a 98 MPH fastball and a nasty curveball. He was available in the 5th Round due to playing in a modest college program.
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Keep an eye on the outgoing player who has been offering sticky coverage .
Player No. 3 — Linebacker Jake Golday
Oct 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Cam Fancher (14) stiff-arms Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Consider former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond among those who think that Mr. Golday has been better than just okay.
"He's a future starter on the Vikings defense, whether as an edge player or an inside linebacker," Diamond writes . "Golday is athletic, versatile and looks smooth wherever he lines up. The second-round pick should be the third edge rusher as a rookie, providing relief for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner and perhaps lining up with them as pass rushers at times. He appears destined to be a Van Ginkel clone who can rush the passer, stop the run and drop effectively into coverage."
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Earlier in the summer, the snaps that I saw of Golday made him look long and fast. He's an active, involved player who appears to be an early chess piece for the front seven. Much to be enthused about with the young defender.
The final word goes to Diamond: "The Vikings personnel people and coaches obviously thought highly of him as they passed up quality centers and safeties to take Golday as a higher rated player on their draft board. It won't surprise me if he winds up as the best player in this Vikings draft class."
