Vikings Allow Promising Rookie to Leave Without a Contract
The Minnesota Vikings have finished their annual rookie minicamp, a couple of days that are designed to welcome the rookies and allow them to acclimate to the new environment, get a few reps, and get to know their coaches and fellow rookie teammates.
Vikings Allow Promising Rookie to Leave Without a Contract
For others, however, those minicamps are crucial to continue their NFL dream. Undrafted and still unsigned guys try out to get one of the 90 coveted roster spots. One of those was Montigo Moss, the son of franchise legend Randy.
Another prominent one was Tommi Hill, a highly-touted corner out of Nebraska. The Vikings said no thanks to both Moss and Hill, signing two more unknown players instead in Elijah Williams and Matt Harmon.
Last offseason, Hill was regarded as a potential early draft pick following a strong 2023 season. He just had to play well in 2024, but his campaign was overshadowed by a plantar fasciitis injury, costing him numerous games and his once-promising draft stock.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis wrote after the minicamp’s practice session, which was open to reporters: “Hill went undrafted. Lingering plantar fasciitis concerns likely played a role. Hill’s topsy-turvy college path, going from Arizona State to Nebraska, may have also mattered. The Vikings, though, invited him in as a tryout player during rookie minicamp. It won’t be an easy path to the roster, but Hill’s progress is worth monitoring.”
Hill drew some praise from second overall pick Travis Hunter. The fascinating two-way player told the media that Hill was among the hardest cornerbacks to play against.
Hill’s college path started at Arizona State, but he transferred to Nebraska, where he spent his final three collegiate seasons. The injury seemingly had a big impact on his performance in 2024.
PFF gave him an 85.9 grade in 2023 and only a 70.9 last season. He went from one touchdown allowed and four interceptions to three touchdowns allowed and one interception. The passer rating allowed was wonderful in 2023 (40.4) and horrendous in 2024 (119.6).
The defender is well-built for NFL competition at six feet and about 215 pounds with a long wingspan. He didn’t test at the combine or his pro day, but he showed impressive athleticism on the field, according to Reel Analytics.
Regardless, all of that is moot for Skol Nation. The roster is full at 91 players, and the Vikings apparently move forward without the rookie after getting a good look at him.
Possibly his injury is still an issue, or he simply didn’t show enough promise. The Vikings already employ 11 cornerbacks.
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Jeff Okudah
- Tavierre Thomas
- Dwight McGlothern
- Ambry Thomas
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Reddy Steward
- Keenan Garber
- Zemaiah Vaughn
The top four are expected to build the rotation, but behind them, there will be a serious competition for one or two roster spots.
Tavierre Thomas is a special-teams ace and depth cornerback. Dwight McGlothern was last year’s preseason standout and was kept on the roster all season, which is usually a good sign. However, he barely got playing time. Reddy Steward also starred last preseason, but for the Bears, Ambry Thomas brings some experience as he played a rotational role for the 49ers. Keenan Garber and Zemaiah Vaughn are undrafted rookies. The latter made a splashy play in practice.
Barring a U-turn, Hill’s Vikings journey is over.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.
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