5 Vikings Rookies Who Could Shake Up 2026

The Minnesota Vikings have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2026 season, and it includes five Vikings rookies who could shake things up.

5 Vikings Rookies Who Could Shake Up 2026

I’m not looking at any of the guys drafted on the opening two days of this year’s draft. Players with that draft standing should be having some impact early in their careers. That rules out Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Jakobe Thomas, Caleb Tiernan, and Domonique Orange, who should all have a role to play this season.

I’m looking at Day 3 draft picks or undrafted rookies who have made enough noise during the preseason to not only make the roster but also see some playing time.

Max Bredeson – Fullback

Max Bredeson was drafted in the fifth round with a specific role in mind. He’s the new fullback in order to take over from the recently retired CJ Ham. Minnesota needs to get more out of their running game, and Bredeson should be crucial to that. He can also be effective as a pass-catcher, given his experience as a tight end in college.

I don’t know how much Kevin O’Connell will use a fullback, but Bredeson has a defined role with no competition. He should see the field fairly consistently.

Jacob Thomas – Safety

Undrafted rookie safety Jacob Thomas has been one of the big stories of the Vikings’ preseason.

Safety is one of the positions on the Vikings team where more playing time could be up for grabs, and Thomas has been making his case throughout training camp and showing up in the preseason games. An ankle sprain in the final preseason game was ill-timed, but it wasn’t serious enough to keep him off the Vikings’ final roster. Hopefully he is quickly back to full health and ready to make an impact.

Chuck Demmings – Cornerback

Another of the Vikings rookies that made waves throughout the preseason is cornerback Chuck Demmings. His confident demeanor and sticky coverage raised eyebrows early in training camp, and he’s continued to impress.

He could push Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre for playing time; he should at least get chances in the rotation and when the Vikings have extra defensive backs on the field.

Sometimes you see an athlete with the “it factor.” To me, Demmings has it.

Dillon Bell – Wide Receiver

The biggest surprise to make the final roster was Dillon Bell as the Vikings opted for a sixth wide receiver on the depth chart for the first time in years. Bell impressed with his athleticism and explosiveness during the preseason games, but it still seemed like an outside chance he’d make the roster, with the Vikings’ top five receivers seemingly set.

Unless there are injury problems, Bell isn’t likely to be called upon often, but he’s shown the potential to be an effective weapon if he is. From undrafted to the final roster in a position where Minnesota is strong, Bell has been one of the exciting stories among this year’s Vikings rookies. At the very least, look for him on special teams due to his size/speed combo.

Demond Claiborne – Running Back

The Vikings have released Zavier Scott, clearing the path for Demond Claiborne to be the team’s RB3. Aaron Jones missed five games last season, which led to Scott getting 32 rushing attempts. The now-former Viking didn’t make much of that opportunity with just 3.6 yards per carry, while also catching 14 of 16 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Claiborne’s explosive nature can be utilized on the ground and through the air, as well as potentially being used as a punt/kick returner. He should get chances across a 17-game season, and he can make something exciting happen.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.