The Vikings’ UDFA Gem Earns More Hype

Rookie safety Jacob Thomas is the Vikings’ UDFA gem. He has been playing excellent ball.

Part of what’s making things intriguing is that people beyond just Minnesota are taking notice. In fact, PFF compiled a list of the best performances from the NFL rookies across the league. The criteria is rookies as a whole and not just the undrafted guys. Sitting atop the pile is Mr. Thomas.

The Vikings’ UDFA Gem Earns More Hype

Anybody who has watched the games has likely seen #39 making plays. He can be found in the yellow gloves looking like a blur moving toward the pigskin.

Look at what PFF had to say in the assessment of the safety being at first overall: “The highest-graded rookie in the NFL through the first two weeks of preseason, Thomas has earned a 90.9 PFF coverage grade and a 72.4 PFF run-defense grade. He has made three tackles resulting in a defensive stop and recorded an interception and a pass breakup.”

Obliterating the opposition in the preseason isn’t reason to throw a parade. There is, nevertheless, reason for optimism.

Most undrafted guys don’t make the final roster. At this stage, Thomas looks like a roster certainty due to proving so fast and physical. Mastering the Brian Flores scheme isn’t easy but Thomas doesn’t appear to have struggled to pick it up. He moves really well out there, suggesting a minimum of two things.

First, Thomas is an athlete. He can chew up yards quickly going both forwards and backwards. As a result, the Vikings have somebody who can help to defend against the run and pass.

Second, Thomas has evidently been working hard. Even the fastest players in the game are going to move slowly if they’re thinking too much. Thomas looks like he has been in town for a little while even though he’s still new, showing no hesitance when tasked with coming close to the line of scrimmage or get pushed far down the field (or anywhere in between).

A bit further down the list, the Vikings see another rookie included.

Undrafted linebacker Bangally Kamara sees his name dropped into the ninth slot. The assessment: “Kamara has been all over the field through two preseason games, particularly as a run defender, where he has earned an 86.4 PFF grade. He has yet to miss a tackle and has recorded nine tackles resulting in a defensive stop, leading all players in preseason.”

Best guess is that Jacob Thomas gets onto the team. Meanwhile, Bangally Kamara appears to be somebody who is destined for the practice squad.

Teams need to shave the rosters down to a maximum of 53 players by Sunday, August 30th.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.