Vikings Rookies' First Month Report Card
Vikings Rookie Report Card: Grading 2026 Draft Picks After First Month of the Season
Taking a closer look at how the Vikings rookies have performed early this season.
Drafted by interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, the Vikings' 2026 rookie class is certainly a unique one. The production hasn't been huge early on, but there's still been plenty to like from a class that figures to only get better as the NFL season goes on.
That said, we're now in October, meaning this year's Vikings rookies have played about a quarter of their first season as pros, giving a large enough sample size to evaluate.
From first-round pick Caleb Banks all the way down to sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne, it's time to look at who has impressed and who has left some meat on the bone.
Let's get into some grades.
Caleb Banks, DL (18th overall): B
Giving a 'B' to a first-round pick who has notched just 75 snaps in four games might seem overly generous, but context is key.
Banks missed most of the summer with a known injury and, on top of that, was always looked at as a bit of a project. The tools and physical attributes are there, and he's flashed some of that potential at certain points during the season, especially against the Bears, where he racked up six tackles—including one for loss.
While the Vikings would certainly benefit from Banks being a bit more pro-ready, they're staying patient, and there's no reason to be alarmed until at least 2027.
Jake Golday, LB (51st overall): B
Much like Banks, despite getting selected highly in this year's draft, Jake Golday has played sparingly.
Golday got his first defensive snaps against Miami in Week 4, but his lack of playing time (likely) isn't a reflection on his ability. An off-ball/EDGE tweener, Golday is stuck behind four established starters and was clearly a pick for the future. He'll get to redshirt for 2026 in a sense, and could find some more playing time in 2027 with Andrew Van Ginkel, Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman all on the wrong side of 30. He'll be judged much more critically next season.
Domonique Orange, DT (82nd overall): B
Grab some honey because it's another 'B' for the Vikings' rookies. No, this record isn't broken, as Domonique Orange has played sparingly along the Minnesota defensive front.
Orange's numbers won't jump off the page with just four tackles and one pressure, but at 6-foot-4 and 325 lbs, he's been a third- or fourth-and-short specialist. The Vikings' defense boasts an NFL-best 22.6% conversion rate on third-down, and Orange has been a big part of that. He has a niche role and he's doing it well.
Demond Claiborne, RB (198th overall): D
Demond Claiborne was a late-round pick, so he's earned a bit of grace here, but not much. After averaging just 2.6 yards per carry in the preseason, Claiborne has just 13 yards on six carries to start the season. Despite the loss of Jordan Mason, Claiborne has been unable to carve out a role in the Vikings backfield, and his 4.37-second 40-yard dash speed (h/t NFL) has been a complete non-factor early in his career.
Until Claiborne can improve his vision, ball security and pass protection, he will revert to riding the bench once Mason returns.
Incomplete: Caleb Tiernan, Jakobe Thomas, Max Bredeson, Charles Demmings
Of the remaining picks, only fullback Max Bredeson has seen much action, and even that's been limited to about 10 snaps per game. Caleb Tiernan could potentially get some reps in the near future with Christian Darrisaw ailing, but the Vikings will likely rely on veteran Ryan Van Demark if Darrisaw misses time.
Jakobe Thomas has been inactive for much of the season after working through some back issues in preseason, and preseason darling Charles "Chuck" Demmings is now on ice due to a hamstring injury.
LIVE WELL ~ LOVE MUCH ~ LAUGH OFTEN
I think those are all fair grades a quarter into it...
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
I think those are all fair grades a quarter into it...
Not only that, I'm happy with all but Claiborne. I also think with 10 snaps a game, Bredeson deserves a letter grade. I'd say a B.
Saw Golday in on several stops against Miami. He seemed to be in the right spot, wasn't flashy but doing his job.
I think Orange got washed out on that run TD by Miami, but overall he has been playing a bit and doing his job.
Demmings can chill, seems all the worry about our DBs was unfounded. Most are highly rated in one way or another. Thomas could sure be useful if he can get up to speed. That is our only real weak spot, safety. Harrison is still getting his legs under him and is showing a bit of age. Mettelus struggles in deep coverage at times. Also notice our LBs, especially Gink out covering the slot or TE split out.
Banks C- ( added the minus because he is a pretty high pick)
Orange B- ( would be a c but he made one great play)
Golday C + He's looked pretty good on ST coverage units
Claiborne D ( you would hope for more snaps after the injury)
Bredeson C ( his snaps have been cut but has seemed fine)
Bottom line these guys can all get much better if we are patient lmao
You are giving incomplete to Bredeson who has played 25% of snaps and done well but Claiborne who has played in 5% of Snaps you are willing to give a D. I am all for saying we need to see a little more from Claiborne, but in the first game he was an ankle tackle away from taking it to the house and this last game he had his best run of the year with an 8 yard scamper. Is it a work in progress yes. But if you are willing to give the benefit of the doubt to Golday Banks and Orange why does Claiborne not get any? Now I am one has been pretty clear on what Claiborne is and isn't and I question his vision and his balance. With what he has shown and the fact he is a 6th rounder on the team and playing, thats much more than a lot of the others you are giving an incomplete to. I at the very least give him a C, if he had housed one of those runs my guess is you are saying he is a B or an A based effectively on small sample size.
If you have listened to the coaches or other players they seem very optimistic for a 6th rounder. Kevin said I believe 2 games ago he jumped in on special teams and made a fantastic play. It does seem like he played in a dumbed down system and as much as working on balance, ball security and vision - it is catching up to the play book and the knowledge needed to be effective at this level. That is a homework thing that can be fixed, much easier than trying to get faster per say.
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