All Eyes Should Be On 3 Young Vikings as the Preseason Continues
Consider 3 young Vikings when you turn on your television (or step inside of U.S. Bank Stadium).
These are players who are looking to solidify their spots in the NFL. Proving capable of shining in a real game — even an exhibition one — is a vital part of the mix. To that end, focus your attention on players who are battling to earn one of the coveted 53 spots, guys who have already sparked some optimism.
3 Young Vikings — Patriots Preseason Game
Player #1 — Joe Huber, Guard
If you hop around PurplePTSD and Vikings Territory, then you’ve likely heard the news already: Mr. Huber put together a mighty impressive preseason performance against the Texans.
Spearheading the Joe Huber praise was PFF, the analytics website that argued the rookie put together an elite performance. Were the elite play to continue, Huber would force Minnesota’s hand: find an open spot on the 53 or see him get scooped up by another team while trying to slide him down to the practice squad.
Losing Zeke Correll only makes Huber more valuable. The guard is only 23, is cheap, and can play multiple positions along the interior of the offensive line. Keep on eye on #60 as the game unfolds later today.
Player #2 — Myles Price, Receiver/Punt Returner
True, Myles Price has been a bit overshadowed. True, he isn’t going to overwhelm with size. True, he’s not even a guarantee to get onto the practice squad, let alone the 53-man roster.
Nevertheless, Mr. Price is someone to watch.
Minnesota didn’t get him a rep as a punt returner last weekend. The very unfortunate news surrounding Rondale Moore’s injury should change that reality. Price has been getting work as a punt returner in camp. He’s battling Lucky Jackson and Silas Bolden — and probably some others — to prove capable of being Minnesota’s PR1 in 2025.
Keep in mind, as well, that Price showed off some good chemistry with Max Brosmer. Yes, there was the touchdown catch, but don’t forget that he also made the play to help the Vikings convert an earlier 3rd & 7.
Player #3 — Tyler Batty, Edge Rusher
Even on an NFL field, Tyler Batty is noticeable. The monster from BYU stands at 6’6″ and weighs 271 pounds. Possessing such a large frame allows Brian Flores to move Batty up and down the line, soaking up snaps at edge rusher while also being capable of playing some 3T and 5T.
At training camp, Batty has made an impression. His debut preseason game, in contrast, was more modest, getting credit for a tackle and a pass defended.
Gabriel Murphy is very reasonably commanding a pile of attention due to his disruptive play last weekend. He’s the clear favorite to jump into the opening at EDGE4. The EDGE5 spot belongs to Bo Richter, a sophomore who can help on specials and play sturdy football at the line of scrimmage. Batty’s task is to prove that an EDGE6 is worth keeping around or that he’s a better option than Richter.
Tyler Batty is already 26, the same age as Justin Jefferson.
