He’s 6’2″, Boasts Elite Speed, and is Making a Name for Himself at Vikings Camp

Vikings camp has seen several players emerge. Among them has been sophomore receiver Dontae Fleming.

The 6’2″ receiver didn’t generate a ton of hype going into the 2025 NFL Draft but did get recognition for his size and 4.4 speed. Last year involved working on the practice squad but not getting an opportunity to crack the 53-man roster. The sophomore pass catcher could change that reality soon enough.

Vikings Camp Sees Dontae Fleming Emerge

At receiver, there are three spots that are fully solidified with WR1 Justin Jefferson, WR2 Jordan Addison, and WR3 Jauan Jennings. What’s needed is a depth option to emerge for injury coverage and the times when there needs to be a fourth receiver.

Could Fleming be that guy?

Per Over the Cap, the Vikings lured him to the Twin Cities largely due to the promise of $135,000 guaranteed. He therefore became yet another highly-regarded undrafted talent to give Minnesota a try. Choosing Minnesota also came with the benefit of getting to work under the tutelage of Keenan McCardell, who is a terrific receiver coach.

Check out some of what special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had to say about the WR in a recent press conference.

“I’m really, really excited about Dontae Fleming,” Daniels said. “I really wanted to get him some opportunities back there. He’s got the speed […] really elite speed. He has the ability to setup blocks, been doing a great job for us.” Not long afterwards, Coach Daniels indicated that the hope is to give Fleming some work at both punt and kickoff returner.

At Tulane in 2024, Fleming showed off his explosiveness. The final stats see 31 catches going for 598 yards. That’s good for a whopping 19.3 yards-per-catch average. A touch discouraging is that Fleming only scored a single touchdown.

On specials, Fleming had 12 punt returns go for a modest 61 yards and zero scores. He did, however, put up more explosive returns in past collegiate seasons.

Across Vikings social media, there has been several mentions of Fleming.

Alec Lewis at the end of July: “Vikings training camp practice day 2 is over. The quarterback report: Kyler Murray took a hefty amount of snaps with the starters. Had one deep hit to Dontae Fleming.”

Lewis again on August 4th: “Not much Vikings QBs stuff from today’s practice, but I thought TE Gavin Bartholomew, CB Chuck Demmings and WR Dontae Fleming continued to really look good.”

Jason Harmon on August 7th: “McCarthy with a throw to Dontae Fleming to his left downfield. A bit high but 19 makes the leaping catch.”

Over and over again, Fleming has been getting noticed. Quite evidently, Fleming is making plays on a consistent basis. The worst thing a depth guy can be is forgettable; making plays that obviously jump off the field is a nice development for the depth guy who appears to have made the most of his time to develop.

The Vikings get back to work tomorrow. Keep an eye on #19 as he works toward making the final roster as the WR5 or WR6.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.