**3\. Which under-the-radar players could emerge?**
For starters, let's highlight Rodgers.
A Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia, the 2020 sixth-round draft pick of the Colts played his way onto Flores' radar years ago, and yet his spring signing with the Vikings didn't result in that much hype.
Rodgers was a spot starter for the Eagles and technically their No. 4 cornerback in 2024, behind rookie phenoms Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and six-time Pro Bowl honoree Darius Slay.
Now, with a Lombardi under his belt, plus a change of scenery and chance to lead, Rodgers is one to watch. He's _fast_ with a sturdy frame and has good instincts in coverage and intriguing kick-return chops.
In addition to Rodgers, Blackmon and Okudah will attempt to rewrite their career arcs. Blackmon made three starts as a rookie in 2023 and was in position to compete for more opportunities in 2024 before going down on the opening day of camp. The third-round selection was effusively praised by Flores and teammates for his rehabilitation focus and now can positively spin his story with a convincing preseason.
Okudah is only about a month older than Blackmon but has three times the NFL experience, starting 31 of 44 games for Detroit, Atlanta and Houston. The No. 3 overall pick by the Lions in 2020 enjoyed his top season, statistically, in 2022 when he compiled 73 tackles, seven PBUs, one pick and one forced fumble.
One _very_ under-the-radar name to be aware of is Vaughn, who went undrafted out of Utah after walking-on and converting to cornerback there. A high school quarterback, with an 80-inch wingspan, Vaughn was commonly around the ball in OTAs and minicamp. You can read more about him [here](https://www.vikings.com/news/how-family-football-games-uniquely-positioned-zemaiah-vaughn-for-vikings-opportunity).