MINNEAPOLIS — NFL scouts will even admit they don't always get it right at the draft, which is why unplucked gems like Adam Thielen, Wes Welker and Tony Romo (to name just a few) not only make it into the league but have impressive careers.
After drafting seven players at the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings signed 17 undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who hope to make the team's roster.
The Vikings signed linebacker Gabriel Murphy, the No.1 edge rusher in NFL.com's list of top UDFAs. Murphy, 6' 2" and 247 pounds, out of UCLA, started all 13 games for the Bruins 2023 with 38 tackles and 8 sacks. "What Murphy lacks in size and length he makes up for with skill and production," said NFL Analyst, Lance Zierlan.
The Vikings signed tight end Trey Knox from South Carolina. The 6' 3" 240-pound former Gamecock is ranked No. 2 on the NFL's top UDFA list for tight ends. "Knox has pass-catching measurables and the willingness to block as an in-line tight end. He's a receiver-turned-tight-end-prospect with an expansive wingspan," according to Zierlan.
The Vikings signed Minnesota native Spencer Rolland who was a high school star for Apple Valley. After transferring from Harvard, the 6' 6" 306-pound offensive tackle played for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Rolland is No. 3 on the NFL's top UDFA list for offensive tackles. Rolland made Randy Shaver's All-Metro Offensive Team in 2017.
Here is the alphabetical list of Vikings' UDFA signees, according to Vikings.com.
Matt Cindric, OL, California
K.J. Cloyd, LB, Miami
Jeremy Flax, OL, Kentucky
Dallas Gant, LB, Toledo
Devron Harper, WR, Mercer
Ty James, WR, Mercer
Jeshaun Jones, WR, Maryland
Trey Knox, TE, South Carolina
Tyler Manoa, DL, Arizona
Donovan Manuel, LB, Florida International
Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas
Gabriel Murphy, OLB, UCLA
Doug Nester, OL, West Virginia
Owen Porter, OLB, Marshall
Bo Richter, OLB, Air Force
Spencer Rolland, OL, North Carolina
Taki Taimani, DL, Oregon
The Vikings drafted seven players throughout the draft which was held in Detroit this year. The team drafted Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy at No. 11, Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No.17, CB Khree Jackson at No. 108, Oklahoma offensive tackle Walter Rouse at No. 177, Alabama kicker Will Reichard at No. 203, Wake Forest offensive lineman Michael Jurgens at No. 230 and Texas A&M University-Commerce defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez at No. 232.
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