The Vikings’ Roster: 3 True Dark Horse Competitors

Everybody has a guess for what the Vikings’ roster is going to look like for Week 1 of the 2026 Vikings season.

At this stage, everybody is working with incomplete information. The remainder of training camp and the preseason is going to offer more evidence. Check out some players to monitor if you’re interested in discovering true sleepers to make the 53-man roster.

The Vikings’ Roster
A Trio of Dark Horse Contenders to Make the Final 53

Player No. 1 — Kahlef Hailassie, Safety

The Vikings have made an effort to bring the defensive back back to the Twin Cities. Clearly, there’s some optimism about his abilities.

He’s an undrafted talent who has spent time working with the Chiefs, Browns, and Jaguars. The former corner is operating as a safety in Minnesota. Seeing something wonky happen — trading Theo Jackson, an injury, an out of nowhere cut — could open some room for the 25-year-old defender.

Kahlef Hailassie offers good size at 6’1″ and 195 pounds.

Player No. 2 — Henry Byrd, Guard

Not too long ago, OC Wes Phillips indicated that Henry Byrd was capable of playing all five positions along the offensive line. Such is the result of being on the practice squad for several years.

Mr. Byrd is a Princeton alum — likely smart — who has a background with tap dancing — likely has good feet. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Byrd’s build is basically on par with Christian Darrisaw. Can he secure a depth job as a reliable five-in-one backup?

Minnesota has been stashing him on the practice squad for several years. Maybe that pays off with a spot on the active roster.

Player No. 3 — Chaz Chambliss, Linebacker

Last year, Chambliss got added as an undrafted talent. He played well for Georgia in college but is small for being an edge rusher. Slipping out of the draft allowed the Vikings to pounce.

The defender hung around on the roster last season as a depth piece on defense and a mainstay for the special teams. His path forward is similar rolling into 2026. What would be especially fascinating is if he proves capable of playing off-ball linebacker. Standing at 6’1″ and 245 pounds means looking like Blake Cashman instead of looking like Jonathan Greenard.

Chambliss is a high-effort, gritty player.

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