Vikings’ UDFA Class Includes Competition for Jordan Berry, Garrett Bradbury
K. Joudry
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The Minnesota Vikings announced that they’ve brought in nine undrafted free agents. The UDFA class will increase the roster competition heading into the Vikings’ season.
Before offering a bit of a breakdown, take a look at who they brought in:
- Mike Brown, Safety
- Thomas Hennigan, Wide Receiver
- Bryant Koback, Running Back
- Zach McCloud, Outside Linebacker
- Josh Sokol, Center
- Tyarise Stevenson, Defensive Tackle
- Tré Turner, Wide Receiver
- Luiji Vilain, Outside Linebacker
- Ryan Wright, Punter
If you’re at all like me, you’ll need to do a little reading to become familiar with these players. One thing that’s notable, though, is the decision to bring in a punter and a center. The Vikings, in all likelihood, would welcome improved play at both spots. Jordan Berry isn’t a bad player, but he isn’t elite. The veteran can be cut with no financial consequence.
Apparently, Wright is quite the athlete:
With 4.6 wheels, Wright may be one of the first ones down the field for a tackle.
I’m against bringing Garrett Bradbury back as the starting center. Backup depth for the iOL? Sure, no problem. The C1 who is responsible for keeping Kirk upright? No, thanks. Sokol is a longshot to unseat the former first-rounder, and yet it’s good to see that there are a couple players to push Bradbury. Sokol and Austin Schlottmann will compete for the center job.
One wonders if either Vilain or McCloud could stick around. McCloud put together 5.5 sacks and 7.5 TFLs last season; Vilain had 8 sacks and 9 TFLs. I’m also intrigued to see what Tyarise Stevenson can do. He’s listed at 6’3, 351, so it’s safe to say he’s a nose tackle. If he can occupy multiple blockers, then he may end up carving out a role.
The Vikings UDFA class is unlikely to produce any starters for 2022. Nevertheless, Minnesota has benefited from UDFAs in the past, with Adam Thielen, C.J. Ham, Anthony Harris, and Eric Wilson as just a few examples. In other words, be patient with the current group. One or two may turn into strong players.
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