The Vikings Spotted Researching Next Batch of Young Talent

GM Nolan Teasley claims that he loves process. In his most recent press conference, Teasley spent ample airtime talking about the process involved in the Vikings distilling the roster down to 53 players.

Part of that journey, Teasley explained, involved scouting work that goes back a long time prior to a late-August roster decision. So, the update that hit the football airwaves acts of corroboration of the approach rather than a surprise.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid, a leading draft expert, sent along a quick social media update about who was present at the weekend LSU and Clemson game: “17 NFL teams that are in attendance at Clemson/LSU: BUF, CAR, CLE, DEN, DET, GB, HOU, IND, JAX, LVR, MIA, MIN, NE, NO, NYJ, PIT, TEN. GMs that are present: Gutekunst (GB) and Sullivan (MIA).”

Don’t miss the important three letters snuggled into the Reid update: MIN. The Vikings had a scouting presence at a marquee NCAA game.

The Vikings Kept an Eye on Clemson & LSU Talent

Recent years have seen the Vikings nourished by talent coming out of LSU.

Most notably, there’s Justin Jefferson, the (so-called) slot receiver who faced some uncertainty about his ability to lineup out wide in the NFL. How did that concern end up working out?

Looking back a touch further could involve uplifting Danielle Hunter, the edge rusher who boasts the ideal build and abilities for hunting down quarterbacks. Other LSU players to have been chosen by the Vikings recently include S Jay Ward, DT Jaquelin Roy, and G Ed Ingram.

As for Clemson, the recent track record isn’t so formidable.

The 2026 UDFA haul involved OT Tristan Leigh. He got cut before being stashed on the practice squad, but he has since been jettisoned. Next up for Clemson players would be CB Andrew Booth Jr., a talented but injury-prone corner who was a 2nd Rounder from that dreadful 2022 draft haul. In 2016, Minnesota snagged Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander in the 2nd, a corner who did play pretty spiffy football without ever becoming a dominant force.

What of the game over the weekend? Did anyone catch the Vikings’ eye?

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Lane Kiffin is now leading LSU, a decision that has created zero strong feelings and generated zero controversy. He snagged a decisive win over the weekend, overcoming the foe by a lopsided score of 51-10.

In a piece on Yahoo Sports, there’s a simple list of some of the LSU players who are projected to go in the 2027 NFL Draft. Among them are offensive tackle Jordan Seaton and tight end Trey’Dez Green. Other names get listed, as well.

As it relates to Clemson, a name to know is corner Ashton Hampton (Yahoo). Some may be skittish about opting for another corner from the same school. Do note, though, that finally landing a homegrown CB1 would do wonders for the Vikings. If Hampton could be that guy, then the Vikings would be foolish to overlook him due to a past Clemson corner not working out.

Lately, the football focus in the Twin Cities has involved the return of Harrison Smith alongside the upcoming start for Kyler Murray. Fans should obviously feel free to enjoy these things (at least until the inevitable heartbreak arrives). However, do so with the understanding that the grind has begun to prepare for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Teasley, true to his word, is gleaning insight in preparation for what’s still a long way off.

In Week 1, the Vikings will host the Packers for an early NFC North game.

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