Tiny Vikings Rookie Could Just Replace a Reliable Veteran
The Vikings snatched another wideout with the final pick of the third round, adding to an embarrassment of riches of targets already available for first-time starter J.J. McCarthy. The franchise evidently wanted to upgrade the depth at the pass-catching position by signing Rondale Moore and by drafting Tai Felton.
Tiny Vikings Rookie Could Just Replace a Reliable Veteran
Moore could be a souped-up Brandon Powell. Both are amongst the shortest players in the NFL, but are extremely shifty and therefore, can provide a different skill set after the catch. However, it can be doubted that a guy with Moore’s injury history, especially coming off a season-ending knee injury that is jeopardizing his 2025 season, will return punts like Powell.
The good news is that the team acquired another one of those small but quick receivers with punt return experience. Silas Bolden arrived as an undrafted free agent, and he could be the guy returning punts for the Vikings in 2025.
Bolden started his career at Oregon State but played the last of his five collegiate seasons at Texas, where he became their primary punt returner, returning 30 punts for 315 yards and a touchdown. On offense, he added 23 catches for 267 yards and one score, and he rushed for another touchdown.
Obviously, Bolden has a long way to go to be a relevant asset for an NFL offense, but an experienced punt returner always has a shot at making it in the NFL, and the Vikings know it.
Jacob Neidig, Burnt Orange Nation, wrote about the speedster: “After his remarkable season, Bolden joined the Longhorns and provided an explosive spark as much-needed depth. When Bolden was in the game, he made his presence felt. For the Longhorns, this primarily came via punt returns as Bolden was the regular returner.”
“A lack of fear and trust in his home-run speed allowed Bolden to make courageous catches all over the gridiron. As a receiver, Bolden was predominately used outside and provided tackle-breaking ability, forcing seven missed tackles on 23 receptions.”
The Vikings have lacked an explosive element in the returning phase throughout the last couple of seasons. Powell is a safe returner; he doesn’t drop the ball, but lacks the playmaking ability for big gains. If special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and the remaining decision-makers were happy with him, he would probably still be under contract.
The Vikings guaranteed Bolden a ton of money to join the club: “Vikings are signing Texas WR Silas Bolden for $205,000 guaranteed, am told. Massive get, competitive market. Elite returner,” Alec Lewis from The Athletic reported on social media.
His path for a roster spot is simple: usually, early in training camp, a dozen guys try out for the punt return job, but Bolden’s experience will give him the edge over most of them. If he can beat the remaining candidates, there’s definitely a place on the 53-man roster.
Neidig concluded, “The most viable path for Bolden is to carve out a niche as a dangerous returner than can be inserted on offense for situational usage. At 5’8, 170 pounds, Bolden unfortunately has his work cut out to once again prove that he can compete at the next level, but his contact courage is an undeniable trait.”
A competitive guy who’s playing with energy and is a playmaker at a position of need. Bolden has a chance.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.