Three UDFAs Who Can Make the Vikings’ Final Roster in 2024
Since taking over as general manager in Minnesota, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has taken advantage of the undrafted free agent market. In 2022, Adofo-Mensah added edge rusher Luiji Vilain and punter Ryan Wright, who both made the final roster.
The trend continued in 2023 when the team added Andre Carter II and Ivan Pace Jr., who also made the roster. Pace not only made the team, but played a large role as a rookie and figures to be a key piece in 2024 as well.
So, history tells us that at least one or two UDFAs will make the team in 2024. Which players have the best chance? Today, let’s identify the three players I believe are in the best position to be on the roster come Week One.
Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA
Gabriel Murphy was one of the top undrafted players this year. The UCLA edge rusher played opposite of first-round pick Laiatu Latu last season and collected 38 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and two passes defended.
The edge rusher had 61 pressures in 2023, which was the seventh-most among all FBS edge rushers. Murphy isn’t the biggest pass rusher, but he is an explosive athlete and has solid technique. The Vikings have added a ton of talent on the edge this offseason, but there is still a path for Murphy to make the team.
Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner are the pass rushers who are guaranteed to make the team. New addition Jihad Ward, 2023 UDFA Andre Carter II, former third-round pick Patrick Jones, and fellow UDFA Bo Richter are the other pass rushers fighting for a roster spot. With a strong camp, the Vikings may not be willing to lose Murphy to another team.
Bo Richter, EDGE, Air Force
Like Murphy, Bo Richter is another edge rusher who has a decent shot to make the roster in 2024. One has to think that Richter making the roster would mean that Murphy doesn’t, as the room is getting crowded.
Richter was extremely productive in 2023 for Air Force. The edge rusher racked up 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss and also earned PFF’s fourth-highest pass rushing grade at 92.2. Even more impressively, Richter won 23.2% of his pass rush attempts, which was the third-best mark in the FBS. Richter is undersized, but he has a high motor and is a sure tackler. The former Air Force Falcon could struggle to beat NFL offensive linemen, but he is a nice developmental piece who can contribute on special teams immediately.
As mentioned above, there’s likely only spot available for either Richter or Murphy. Whichever athlete impresses the most this summer could find themselves on the roster come Week 1.
Taki Taimani, DL, Oregon
Taki Taimani is an interesting player. The massive defensive lineman had a pre-draft visit with the Vikings and the team was quick to sign him after he went undrafted. Taimani stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs in at 330 pounds. The former Oregon Duck collected 22 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
The Vikings did not draft a defensive tackle until the seventh round with FCS product Levi Drake Rodriguez. This is even with the team having a perceived need at the position with Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bullard slated to start. This may have been the best landing spot for Taimani, as there is clearly an available roster spot for a talented DL.
With a strong summer, Taimani could make this roster. The former Duck ranked second among all Pac-12 interior defensive linemen with an 82.3 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Think of Taimani as a Khyiris Tonga replacement who can come in and stuff the run for the Vikes.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Sports Reference CFB.
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