Demmings Is Stealing the Show
Chuck Demmings Is Stealing the Show: What It Means for His Vikings Outlook
The rookie CB could be an important defensive contributor sooner rather than later
Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Vikings' cornerback depth chart seems concerning.
While returning starters Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are solid players, there is a lack of depth behind them. Former Steelers defensive back James Pierre was signed this offseason, and Dwight McGlothern flashed potential, but there was a desperate need for another cornerback to step up and prove they can be a contributor this season.
That's why Chuck Demmings's standout performance at training camp shouldn't be ignored.
The Vikings surprised a lot of people when they selected the Stephen F. Austin defensive back in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The small-school cornerback wasn't a player on the radar of many fans, but he should have been, as Demmings continues to make waves early in training camp.
Chuck Demmings's rise could be hard to ignore
So far, Demmings has been the star of the Vikings' training camp. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound defensive back has looked like a player who should have been selected several rounds earlier during the draft.
Reports of him matching up well against Vikings' star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and having a strong motor to finish plays have earned him a massive amount of praise for a rookie who earned a 74 production score and an 81 athletic score from Next Gen Stats on NFL.com.
Demmings's ascension in training camp should only continue to cement him as one of the cornerbacks who will make the 53-man roster for the Purple and Gold this year. Not only that, but he is well on his way to earning a considerable amount of playing time in defensive coordinator Brian Flores's unit.
Assuming Demmings can keep his momentum going through the remainder of practices and the preseason (which begins Saturday vs. the Giants), he will likely be in line to be the top backup for Pierre and Rodgers, perhaps even gaining a rotational or situational role from Flores.
Although he is only 23 years old and didn't play against elite competition at the college level, Demmings is the kind of player who would have no fear going up against some of the best receivers the NFL has to offer. He could showcase that if he sees some of Giants WR1 Malik Nabers this weekend.
Not only does he have great size and strength for his position, but his wingspan measured nearly 6-foot-6 at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds. Those traits will help him go one-on-one with any opposing pass-catcher and do so effectively.
The path is clear for Demmings to continue impressing the Vikings. At this point, it wouldn't be shocking if he started a few games this season if the coaching staff calls his number. With his talent and the skills he has showcased so far, it isn't far-fetched to think that he could be a player to watch climb the ranks into a permanent starting role in the future.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
Don't look now, but this cat could be a starter.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
MaroonBells wrote:
Don't look now, but this cat could be a starter.
That would shock the s%$t out of me, but maybe sometime this year that could happen?
Flo sure aint gun shy putting young players out there...Chuck may not be alone along with Big Navel, Banks, Golday all playing some first team
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
We have been really needing to hit on some late round picks in the secondary, especially with a legit cover CB.
Bobby Bryant and Carl Lee were both 7th round picks so we overdue for another big time late CB pick!
purplefaithful wrote:
That would shock the s%$t out of me, but maybe sometime this year that could happen?
Flo sure aint gun shy putting young players out there...Chuck may not be alone along with Big Navel, Banks, Golday all playing some first team
big navel?
😂😂😂
Not sure Chuck will be starting, but he will get his chances.
purplefaithful wrote:
That would shock the s%$t out of me, but maybe sometime this year that could happen?
Flo sure aint gun shy putting young players out there...Chuck may not be alone along with Big Navel, Banks, Golday all playing some first team
Mr. Mankato often turns into Mr. Where Did He Go? once the season starts. He's got potential but as I said in the other thread, I will believe it when I see it in a real game.
comet52 wrote:
Mr. Mankato often turns into Mr. Where Did He Go? once the season starts. He's got potential but as I said in the other thread, I will believe it when I see it in a real game.
Definitely one to watch in these ps games...
I'm sure he's going to get a lot of opportunity to play...
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
I'd say he's clinched a roster spot. Regular season playing time when one of Murphy/Rodgers/Pierre gets hurt, otherwise he'll be on ST's.
comet52 wrote:
Mr. Mankato often turns into Mr. Where Did He Go? once the season starts. He's got potential but as I said in the other thread, I will believe it when I see it in a real game.
This is different than most Mr. Mankato situations. Most of Mr. Mankato's are players flashing against the #2's and #3's. It's players making a splash play here or there and over a camp after 1 or 2 beat writers speak of the player or flash play a swell of fan interest starts building. (Think Dillon Bell before the pads came on). The only other player that I can think of that has had a similar rise and accolades that won Mr. Mankato was Ivan Pace in 2023.
So what is different. The first is Demmings is going against all the top WR including Justin Jefferson and there are multiple reports that Demmings has frustrated the #1 WR in the league. This isn't a one of either. It is every single day - multiple PBU's. Also its by what has not been said as well - I have not heard of a single big play where Demmings has been beat. As to the beat writers or fan opinions - its the same and it doesn't matter which day they go. The consistency is what has been the most impressive. He has stacked multiple great days together and continues to get run with both the #1 and #2 groups. I think he is the best corner on the team right now but will continue to need some coaching. Now will he be a starter? Maybe. If they think he is head and shoulders better - Flores has shown he is willing to put Rookies in a starting role even if they were a lower draft pick or a UDFA. Ivan Pace started the second game of the 2023 season. The toughest position to start initially in Flores system is DE specifically Van Ginkel's spot (the most challenging physically and mentally position of the team). Part of the reason why Turner has struggled in that position more than the other DE spot. Beyond that its a read and react defense especially for a CB.
My opinion is Demmings is the most athletically gifted CB we have. He is very comfortable in press as this is what he did in college, and although slightly different defense - the concepts were the same - an attacking defense that wanted to pressure the WR and make them uncomfortable. If he doesn't start the 1st game it will be by game 4 is my guess. He appears to be comfortable inside or outside so he will be the 1st man up if anyone is struggling or injured.
comet52 wrote:
Mr. Mankato often turns into Mr. Where Did He Go? once the season starts. He's got potential but as I said in the other thread, I will believe it when I see it in a real game.
I think Felton is Mr. Mankato. He looks good, but with the big 3 ahead of him, he won't get many looks come game time.
Chuck will the first DB off the bench if Pierre or Rodgers comes out.
Long way to go here… And I’m really trying to keep myself down about this… But how fantastic would it be if this kid turns out to actually be a real killer at this position?
The proof is going to be in how he plays the run. Flo won't tolerate missed tackles. Demmings was solid against the run at SFA, but the NFL is a whole 'nother ball game. They don't have any Derrick Henrys in the FBS.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
MaroonBells wrote:
The proof is going to be in how he plays the run. Flo won't tolerate missed tackles. Demmings was solid against the run at SFA, but the NFL is a whole 'nother ball game. They don't have any Derrick Henrys in the FBS.
He is 6'1" 193 lbs. He has help up in the run at FCS and the Senior Bowl and games. I just don't see this as a major concern. Even if its not a strength if he can shut down a #1 or #2 option on the opposing teams offense FLO will take that all day long even if he misses a tackle here or there. Tackling Derrick Henry isn't a cornerbacks primary job description.
Kmerry82 wrote:
He is 6'1" 193 lbs. He has help up in the run at FCS and the Senior Bowl and games. I just don't see this as a major concern. Even if its not a strength if he can shut down a #1 or #2 option on the opposing teams offense FLO will take that all day long even if he misses a tackle here or there. Tackling Derrick Henry isn't a cornerbacks primary job description.
I wouldn't call it a concern. Like I said, scouting reports show that he was at least "OK" against the run at SFA. He might be a great tackler for all I know. My only point is that this is a part of the game he hasn't yet shown, since full-speed tackling isn't allowed in training camp.
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell
purplefaithful wrote:
That would shock the s%$t out of me, but maybe sometime this year that could happen?
Flo sure aint gun shy putting young players out there...Chuck may not be alone along with Big Navel, Banks, Golday all playing some first team
That would be more hits on draft picks than we have had over the past 5-6 years combined.
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