After the first two preseason games, Minnesota has a handful of players that have made strong impressions.

With just one preseason game left before roster cuts take place, dozens of players are vying for a coveted 53-man roster spot. Though this will be a handful of players last game in a Vikings uniform, Minnesota has had a number of players who have been making splashes in practice and on the preseason gridiron. What seven Vikings have stood out the most?

UDFAs Dwight McGlothern and Bo Richter

• For Vikings fans, it seems every year of a Kwesi draft has produced valuable undrafted gems. In 2022, EDGE Luiji Vilain and P Ryan Wright.. In 2023, OLB Andre Carter III, LB Ivan Pace Jr, and CB NaJee Thompson.. In 2024, look no further than CB Dwight McGlothern and EDGE Bo Richter. Both players have created ripples in practice and in the first two preseason games and both players have a very likely shot to make the 53-man roster. For McGlothern, his solid coverage and 91-yard interception has provided his rise. Regarding Richter, he’s very arguably been the best edge Minnesota has seen all preseason with 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and countless play disruptions nearly assures him a spot on the roster. Granted, nothing is a guarantee in the NFL but these two UDFAs have done a good job rising to the top of their class.

S Lewis Cine

• A surprise for many, Lewis Cine has seen his name bump a bit after an impressive showing against the Browns. Labeled a bust by most fans, Cine has had a rough go to start his NFL career. The former Georgia Bulldog was Adofo-Mensah’s first pick as a GM at pick 1.32 after a trade down with Detroit in the 2022 draft. Though Cine dealt with injury early on, his 11 tackles, interception, pass defense, and hit stick on Dorian Thompson-Robinson has reminded many why he had first-round potential. Now, whether or not Cine sticks around in in the purple and gold remains to be seen. At the very least, trade rumors have circled around the young project over the last few days. For now however, Cine has an opportunity to build upon a strong preseason with one last game against the Eagles.

WRs Jalen Nailor and Trishton Jackson

• Vikings fan throughout the off-season have discussed the lack of depth at the wide receiver room after stars Jefferson and Addison. Through two preseason games, Minnesota has shown they may be deeper than expected. Two names in particular that have stood out are sophomore receiver Jalen Nailor and journeyman Trishton Jackson. Together, the duo has racked up 11 receptions, 233 yards, and 2 touchdowns (both Jackson’s). With this, both have shown flashes of talent in their battle for the WR3 position. Currently (and in my opinion), Nailor has the edge on Jackson to nab that role, but what can be assured is Minnesota will have options (including Powell, who also returns for the upcoming year).

EDGE Dallas Turner

• After an electric first night of the draft that saw the Vikings trade back up in the draft to acquire EDGE Dallas Turner, the former Crimson Tide star continues to dominate on the gridiron just a little farther north. Many draft analysts tabbed Turner as the best edge in last April’s draft. Since April, he has quickly filled the void left by superstar Danielle Hunter. However, the effort, motor, bend, and pursuit Turner has had in each play gives shades of Jared Allen. Though a tad early to be making comparisons to a (future) Hall of Famer, Turner has been phenomenal. From key stops to quarterback pressures, Minnesota has a star in the making for Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores to utilize.

K Will Reichard

• Oh Vikings fans, always focused on the kicker. That said, Minnesota may have finally gotten it figured out. Reichard, a 5th round pick in last spring’s draft, decisively and swiftly won the kicking competition this off-season. The rookie kicker has not missed very often since joining the Vikings. So far, Reichard has gone perfect on his PAT attempts (6/6) and has made 3 out of 4 field goal attempts (with the lone miss being blocked by the Raiders). Though missed kicks will happen, Minnesota has hope for a brighter kicking future with Reichard on the squad. Not convinced, go check out some of his practice kicks… Because he hit one that probably would have been good from 70 yards out.