Vikings giving big guarantees to UDFA sends firm statement the NFL will regret not drafting him
Over the last few years, the Minnesota Vikings have done a great job in maneuvering through undrafted free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has consistently brought in players who have made the team. In fact, eight of them have made the team in the last three years. 2022: EDGE Luiji Vilain2023: LB Ivan Pace Jr.2023: […]
Over the last few years, the Minnesota Vikings have done a great job in maneuvering through undrafted free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has consistently brought in players who have made the team. In fact, eight of them have made the team in the last three years.
- 2022: EDGE Luiji Vilain
- 2023: LB Ivan Pace Jr.
- 2023: EDGE Andre Carter II
- 2023: CB NaJee Thompson
- 2024: EDGE Gabe Murphy
- 2024: NT Taki Taimani
- 2024: CB Dwight McGlothern
- 2024: EDGE/LB Bo Richter
This year, the Vikings signed a whopping 20 undrafted free agents with some getting some big money.
Tyler Batty could be next UDFA to make the roster
When you look at the group of UDFAs to make the roster, half of them are at edge rusher. It raises a lot of questions about the Vikings team building philosophy and if they have an advantage in identifying edge rushers.
The latest player the Vikings have targeted at edge rusher is BYU's Tyler Batty. He was projected to the Vikings in multiple seven-round mock drafts over the last few months, and they made a sizable commitment to bringing him in.
That's a sizable commitment to Batty, and it's very similar to that of Carter and Murphy, who also made the team. Batty is an older prospect, as he's set to turn 26 on Friday. He is an average athlete without a ton of upside, but has a motor that runs hot.
His scouting report from NFL.com emphasizes that, especially being a plus run defender.
Batty has played standing on occasion, but he will be a 4-3, strong-side defensive end in the NFL. He’s densely muscled and plays with consistent aggression at the point. He hustles in pursuit, too. He has some snap in his initial punch but lacks the length and twitch quickness to get away from blocks quickly and will succumb to power from tackles. He creates pressure with hops and euro-steps to gain ground. He has strong hands to discard the punch but won’t beat most pro tackles with speed or power. He’s an older rookie and an effort player, but it’s not clear if he’ll have the physical gifts or skill level to become a “make it” prospect.
Run defense is something that is prioritize with the Vikings, especially on early downs. Having that kind of player is important, as we saw last year with Jonathan Bullard. HIs numbers match that, as in each of his five seasons in college, Batty had at least 5.0 tackles for loss, finishing his career with 34.0 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks.
Batty is also a three-time team captain, and that kind player is always going to be valued by organizations. He also has a decent path to the roster, with Gabe Murphy being his biggest competition.
It's going to be an interesting offseason, but don't be surprised if Batty makes the roster.
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