The Vikings have been the kings of signing undrafted rookies, and many of them have contributed in the past, especially under the current regime. Just last year, Taki Taimani, Dwight McGlothern, Gabriel Murphy, and Bo Richter made their NFL debut in purple despite not hearing their names called in the draft. Ivan Pace Jr., of course, was the rookie sensation in 2023.
Vikings’ UDFA Got a Sweet Stack of Cash to Come to Minnesota
This year, the club once again invested some serious cash to lure the top guys to the Twin Cities. Offensive tackle Logan Brown, pass rusher Tyler Batty, and tight end Ben Yurosek have gotten the headlines so far.
Nov 9, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) reacts after a sack against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn, out of Utah, is another intriguing prospect.
Cash
The money a player is getting isn’t always an indicator of future success, but a high number shows that the player had a market and some interest in him. Minnesota has had a high hit rate with UDFAs because they are willing to spend.
Vaughn got $249,000 in guaranteed dollars when he signed with the club. That ranks him third on the team behind the aforementioned Batty and Yurosek. Auburn’s linebacker Austin Keys also received $249,000.
Draft Profile
Nov 9, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is sacked by Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Vaughn went undrafted after spending his five collegiate seasons at Utah. At 6’2″ and 186 pounds with a 4.45 40-yard dash, he has the physical tools to succeed at the next level.
Former Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy tweeted ahead of the draft: “CB Zemaiah Vaughn’s (6021v, 175v, 32 7/8 arm) name out there much in draft rankings right now but he possesses one of best combos of length & speed in this year’s draft. Springy athlete should blow up Combine and his makeup speed jumps off the tape.”
In his college career, Vaughn played in 56 games, secured three interceptions, had three sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 144 tackles.
Rookie Minicamp Buzz
Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) defends a pass intended for California Golden Bears wide receiver Trond Grizzell (83) in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
In rookie minicamp, he got his first chance to show the coaches that he deserved one of the 53 coveted roster spots. He made a splashy interception, catching the ball from fellow UDFA Max Brosmer, and earned Kevin O’Connell’s attention.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis summarized the play in his rookie minicamp takeaways: “Maybe the most impressive play of the day occurred on the left sideline, as Brosmer tried to layer a pass into a pocket in the defense’s zone coverage. Zemaiah Vaughn, an undrafted cornerback from Utah, leaped and secured the interception. Afterward, defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones and even O’Connell patted Vaughn on the helmet.”
Cornerback Competition
NFL teams usually keep between five and seven cornerbacks on their 53-man roster, depending on how much room they have, but also how much special-teams contributions they get from that crew. In 2023, the Vikings strangely kept only four, but that was highly unusual.
Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) breaks up the pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (80) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The franchise employs 11 cornerbacks.
Byron Murphy Jr.
Isaiah Rodgers
Mekhi Blackmon
Jeff Okudah
Tavierre Thomas
Dwight McGlothern
Ambry Thomas
Kahlef Hailassie
Reddy Steward
Keenan Garber
Zemaiah Vaughn
To remain on the roster, Vaughn has to surpass some of his teammates and show special-teams ability. The first four are likely safe and will be the top guys in the rotation. Special-teams ace Tavierre Thomas could get a spot because of his experience and third-phase prowess, and last year’s UDFA and preseason standout McGlothern stayed on the roster all season in 2024.
Ambry Thomas played meaningful snaps with the 49ers and could have a chance, too. Garber is a fellow UDFA. Steward went unclaimed in 2024 and also made some plays in the preseason, but for the Bears and Hailassie played in ten games through the last two seasons with the Browns.
Vaughn will get his chances in the preseason, and if he can hold up against Minnesota’s decent wideouts, he could snatch a roster spot.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.
