The summer is firmly here for the Minnesota Vikings, and annually, we forecast players who may break out at training camp. It’s a tradition, and you can find last year’s edition here.
The ask was simple for each writer: Who’s your prediction for the Vikings’ summer breakout player?
Here’s how they replied.
Vikings’ Young Depth Pieces Have Real Momentum before Camp
1. Jay Ward | S
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
Not only do the Vikings need him without Harrison Smith, but he has looked on the cusp for a bit now. This is the summer he puts the league on notice.
2. Levi Drake Rodriguez | DT
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Rodriguez plays with a great motor and is violent in his movements (a great compliment for somebody in the trenches). I think LDR starts in Week 1.
3. Demond Claiborne | RB
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
While he’ll be the No.3 back behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, he could still very well have a decent amount of opportunities to flash. Jones is also almost 32 years old and could see fewer carries this year. He also missed five games last year. Can he stay healthy this year?
4. Brett Thorson | P
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Is it lame to predict a punter as a summer breakout player? Absolutely. Do I care? Absolutely not.
Thorson was the best punter in college football last year, and he’s somehow in a summer training cmap battle against Johnny Hekker, who is past his prime. The new guy will show that he has the juice for the punter’s job and make you forget all about Ryan Wright.
The hot take here: Thorson should just be the main punters — the Hekker signing was unnecessary.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Tony Schultz
He’s a big corner with plenty of potential regardless of where he was drafted. He also has a personality big enough to fill U.S. Bank Stadium and then some. His quick quotes and affable personality were shown immediately after he was drafted.
I think he will become a fan favorite before too long, especially after he has some shining moments on the field. Minnesota may have lost Naz Reid, but we gained Charles Demmings. Get your flags ready.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Not only does Demmings break out this summer and force Minnesota to give him reps this coming season, but he also eventually blooms into the Vikings’ franchise CB1.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The rookie has shown in college that he has a nose for the ball, with 9 interceptions, and that his speed makes him a great fit for the 53-man roster, providing depth as the CB4 and adding impact on special teams. I am high on Demmings and think he will turn heads at training camp.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Wesley Johnson
Orange likely has the easiest pathway to early camp/season relevance. He’s going to be asked to eat blocks and plug up holes in the run game. So long as he can learn Brian Flores’s complicated scheme, he should provide an immediate impact. He might not flash statistically, but his impact will free up others to garner tackles and shut down opposing run offenses.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Josh Frey
Big Citrus has a great motor and is a player who doesn’t take plays off. It wouldn’t be surprising to see that tenacity create some big waves in camp this summer.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings snagged the rookie out of Georgia in free agency. After already getting some buzz in OTAs, he’ll continue to emerge in the summer and earn a role for his rookie season. Bell has the size and the explosiveness to be Minnesota’s WR4 in 2026.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
The UDFA out of Georgia is already turning some heads during practice, and he has the skillset to be a fun gadget player early on in his career. With no proven WR behind Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings, Bell can make the roster and have an important role early on.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Adam New
There’s not much room on the Vikings depth chart at WR, but one player who could force his way in is Dillon Bell. A big-bodied offensive weapon at 6-foot and 210 lbs, if you get the ball in his hands, he can make things happen. I expect to see some explosive plays over the summer that get people talking.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Cole Smith
The UDFA from Georgia was catching passes from Kyler Murray in team drills during OTAs. He brings a different skill set from the star receivers at the top of the depth chart, offering a unique path to not only the 53-man roster but also the WR4 spot.
