Minnesota Vikings training camp preview: Mr. Mankato has a fascinating group of contenders led by players from one ACC school

If you are a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, then you know about Mr. Mankato. The Mr. Mankato Award, which started when training camp was held in Mankato, was founded by Judd Zulgad and Phil Mackey of SKOR North back in 2014 to recognize a player who is a rookie drafted in the third round […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones (82) warms up before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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If you are a fan of the Minnesota Vikings, then you know about Mr. Mankato.

The Mr. Mankato Award, which started when training camp was held in Mankato, was founded by Judd Zulgad and Phil Mackey of SKOR North back in 2014 to recognize a player who is a rookie drafted in the third round or later or a lesser-known player who has yet to break out with the threshold at 100 snaps onsoffense or defense.

The spirit of the award is giving it to someone who stands out who doesn't have the cache of other players on the roster. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, we broke down the top candidates.

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10. DT Levi Drake Rodriguez

A seventh-round pick last year, Rodriguez only played in seven defensive snaps and was a healthy scratch the majority of the year. He used the year to get his body NFL-ready, and it will be important to show out early and often. The one thing that Rodriguez has on his side is the fan support, as they loved him as soon as the Vikings drafted him at the 232nd overall pick.

9. EDGE Gabe Murphy

Murphy was the highest-paid UDFA in the 2024 class, and many believed he would earn himself a nice role in Brian Flores' defense. Early on during training camp, it looked like that would come to fruition, but he suffered an injury and was on the PUP list for half the season and missed the entire preseason. He did get a chance to play in Pat Jones II's role against the Atlanta Falcons and thrived. He didn't get much run after that, and likely needs to have a great training camp.

8. RB Tre Stewart

Running back is an interesting position for the Vikings. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are going to be the top two backs without question. The really interesting aspect for the group is going to be who gets the number three spot.

As things sit, Ty Chandler is going to have the spot, but Stewart has the skillset to get there. He will also get a lot of reps as a depth running back in the preseason, with Jones and Mason not likely to see any snaps during the preseason. All it will take from Stewart is to break off a couple of long runs, or possibly a long kick return to get in the running. As a running back, he should get plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

7. QB Max Brosmer

Normally, a quarterback would be higher on the list, but the fourth quarterback on the roster doesn't often get much of an opportunity to throw the football. Often in individual drills, that player is doing handoffs instead of throwing it, which is where you make your mark.

Brosmer has already made an impression on head coach Kevin O'Connell and seems to have a path to the roster. With his skill set perfect for what the Vikings like to do on offense, it's only a matter of time before he lights it up at practice.

6. DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

The Vikings are very high on Ingram-Dawkins, and for good reason. He's a hyper-athletic player who can be a versatile chess piece for Brian Flores. He ranks so low on this list for one reason: NFL strength.

He had the ability to beat SEC offensive linemen with ease, but playing on the inside in the NFL is a different beast entirely. He will likely struggle initially, but how long that struggle lasts will be the key, especially for him to potentially win the award.

5. DT Elijah Williams

If you haven't heard of him, I understand. He was invited to rookie minicamp without a roster spot, but earned one with his performance. That alone gives him an edge over the rest of the UDFA class. Like Ingram-Dawkins, he will likely struggle early on with power on the inside at 270 lbs. 

What separates Williams from Ingram-Dawkins is the path he took to get here. He's not a former five-star recruit, instead having come from the FCS level. The aspect of being more unheralded puts him above Ingram-Dawkins for me if they were to have the same performance, because it would be more surprising.

4. CB Zemaiah Vaughn

The Vikings have had no problem signing players who are slight in build. Jordan Addison and Mekhi Blackmon were both taken in the first three rounds at under 180 lbs, and Vaughn, weighing 186 lbs, fits the bill.

Now, you still have to play good football, and Vaughn can do that. His length and quickness profile are impressive and fit well with how Flores wants to call his defense. The length and click-and-close ability are excellent, both of which will make a major impact throughout any coverage that gets called.

3. WR Tai Felton

Felton is going to be the highest-drafted player on the list, as a third-round pick does qualify. Taking him at 102nd overall is a major sign that the Vikings believe that he can be a guy, but I have my concerns.

The biggest of those concerns is his lack of hip fluidity and turning the corner on in-breaking routes. Luckily, to win the award, it's not a requirement to do those things. He runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, and getting a deep ball touchdown or two could elevate him to the award. Plus, he will have an immense amount of opportunities, which is a big factor here.

2. EDGE Tyler Batty

The number one player in terms of guaranteed money for the UDFA class is Batty, who got $236k in guaranteed salary along with a $25k signing bonus to join the Vikings. He became undrafted likely for two reasons: age and lack of pass-rush upside.

What Batty does provide is an excellent amount of run defense on the edge and the ability to kick inside. Being that he's a UDFA, Batty will have plenty of opportunities to thrive in multiple positions and situations to win a roster spot.

1. WR Jeshaun Jones

Jones was tied with Murphy for being the highest priced UDFA signing last year, and he made an impact against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason with a 70+ yard touchdown reception.

By all accounts, Jones is playing really well so far this offseason, and that is something that will matter a lot. Wide receivers have a history of winning this award, and Jones, having plenty of opportunities to make that impact, will be a huge factor.

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