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Every new NFL season offers players and teams a new chance to prove themselves. While some will have an easier time doing this, some will have to do it while backpedaling.
The Minnesota Vikings' roster is deep and talented, and they are coming off a 14-3 season. Most of the roster returns, but some positions saw some upgrades, leaving some players in limbo. Those players now have two options: fight or wait for a chance elsewhere. No NFL players are going to roll over, which means we now have to look to see which of those players has the most to prove in regard to the upcoming season.
We have picked out three players with something to prove and given our reasons for making the cut.
Nailor proved to be a big catch target for Sam Darnold in 2024, but he wants to be more than that with J.J. McCarthy. While Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison get all the attention, it allows Nailor to fly under the radar and be open on critical third downs and more. Despite all of those things going his way, Nailor still needs to secure a long-term deal with the Vikings, and the team seems to be enamored with him. Not saying he is on a roster bubble or anything, but he has a chance to dictate how much money he sees on his next deal with the team based on his 2025 performance.
Sadly, despite the underrated story that is Blake Brandel's NFL career, he now seems to be the odd man out of the offensive line rotation. The team drafted Donovan Jackson in round one last month, and it seemingly locked Brandel out of the starting lineup despite the appearances of a competition to be had. Brandel will have something to play for in training camp and preseason, though, as he is projected to either be cut or traded before the start of the upcoming season. Sadly, he is playing for his chance with his next team, not for a role with this 2025 Vikings team.
Ivan Pace Jr. had a two-week stretch in 2024 during which he stepped up and became the starter in the middle of the Vikings' defense while Blake Cashman was down with injury. While the Vikings went 0-2 in those games, it didn't fall just on him. He showed he could be a spot starter, but not much more than that. Pace Jr. also revealed in 2024 that he can be utilized more in dynamic ways, but we need to see more of that in 2025. He has something to prove that he can carve out a solidified role in the Vikings defense this year and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Minnesota Vikings players with something to prove heading into 2025
Continue reading...
The Minnesota Vikings' roster is deep and talented, and they are coming off a 14-3 season. Most of the roster returns, but some positions saw some upgrades, leaving some players in limbo. Those players now have two options: fight or wait for a chance elsewhere. No NFL players are going to roll over, which means we now have to look to see which of those players has the most to prove in regard to the upcoming season.
We have picked out three players with something to prove and given our reasons for making the cut.
Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver
Nailor proved to be a big catch target for Sam Darnold in 2024, but he wants to be more than that with J.J. McCarthy. While Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison get all the attention, it allows Nailor to fly under the radar and be open on critical third downs and more. Despite all of those things going his way, Nailor still needs to secure a long-term deal with the Vikings, and the team seems to be enamored with him. Not saying he is on a roster bubble or anything, but he has a chance to dictate how much money he sees on his next deal with the team based on his 2025 performance.
Blake Brandel, Guard
Sadly, despite the underrated story that is Blake Brandel's NFL career, he now seems to be the odd man out of the offensive line rotation. The team drafted Donovan Jackson in round one last month, and it seemingly locked Brandel out of the starting lineup despite the appearances of a competition to be had. Brandel will have something to play for in training camp and preseason, though, as he is projected to either be cut or traded before the start of the upcoming season. Sadly, he is playing for his chance with his next team, not for a role with this 2025 Vikings team.
Ivan Pace Jr., Linebacker
Ivan Pace Jr. had a two-week stretch in 2024 during which he stepped up and became the starter in the middle of the Vikings' defense while Blake Cashman was down with injury. While the Vikings went 0-2 in those games, it didn't fall just on him. He showed he could be a spot starter, but not much more than that. Pace Jr. also revealed in 2024 that he can be utilized more in dynamic ways, but we need to see more of that in 2025. He has something to prove that he can carve out a solidified role in the Vikings defense this year and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Minnesota Vikings players with something to prove heading into 2025
Continue reading...
