Which players with 3 or fewer years of experience do you see having an impact with the Vikings this year?
— Gerald Goblirsch
I don't want to minimize the development of players and the work that anyone is doing for anyone not listed, but I'll mention a few names that people are going to be interested in seeing what happens this year.
We've already seen some flashes of and are looking forward to seeing what is to come, especially with young players like Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez positioned to learn what Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah refers to the "dark arts of pass rushing" from Allen, 30, and Hargrave, 32. Redmond just turned 26 on March 12, and Rodriguez will turn 25 in August. Taki Taimani, 26 in October, is also a contemporary of theirs on the interior defensive line.
Another 2024 undrafted rookie like Taimani, cornerback Dwight McGlothern, 23, flashed so much during last year's training camp that I'm excited to see him go through a second offseason program. The same goes for Mekhi Blackmon, who turns 26 tomorrow. Blackmon suffered a knee injury on the first day of 2024 training camp to end his second pro season.
I feel like everyone has already seen significant impacts from LB Ivan Pace, Jr., and WR Jordan Addison, but here's your reminder that they're both just heading into their third seasons.
Lastly, a pair of Alabama teammates from the 2024 draft class will have eyes turned their way: Will Reichard had a strong rookie season, despite missing time with an injury, and Dallas Turner, who is only 22 years old, will pique interest, especially with Pat Jones II departing in free agency.