https://vikesnow.com/analysis/2026/vikings-gm-roster-building-blueprint/

New Vikings GM Reveals His Roster Building Blueprint

Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley sat down with KFAN’s Paul Allen, the Voice of the Vikings, this week to discuss the state of his franchise as the NFL regular season is about five weeks away. Teasley also spoke about his roster-building philosophy, which was quite telling because he’s new and fans want to know what he values.

Here’s a peek into the man’s soul based on what he told Allen.

What Nolan Teasley Values in Players

Maximize What Players Do Best

On utilizing players on offense, defense, and special teams, Teasley doesn’t spend much time bemoaning weaknesses. Instead, his philosophy prioritizes their strengths, with the intent of developing them beyond that.

“Every player might have some perceived limitations, but you don’t worry about what they can’t do. You’re just really concentrated on what they can,” Teasley told Allen.

“Then it’s our job to develop them and help them be at their best, and then put them in position to do those things as often as possible. I see that in this building, too. I think that’s what really brings a level of comfort in where we’re headed.

For example, if wide receiver Myles Price is a demon in the return game, get him cooking on special teams while continuing to develop his receiving skills in the background.

Coaches Bring Versatility to Life

Vikings offensive lineman Blake Brandel can play all five positions in the trenches: LT, LG, C, RG, RT. That’s a perk and something that Minnesota covets – – versatility.

Teasley said, “Versatility brings value. It’s really incumbent upon the coach to bring that to life. Luckily, we have a good one under the roof here who has the ability to do that with a lot of players – – not just Jamal Adams.”

Versatility is a bit of a buzzword for the Kevin O’Connell-led Vikings. They love players who can fill multiple roles, which might explain the Round 2 selection of linebacker Jake Golday, who could handle both inside- and outside-linebacker duties.

The Jamal Adams Example

Teasley also dove deeper on Adams, who the Vikings signed last week: “Working with Flo (Brian Flores) has been excellent. We were just talking about the Jamal Adams acquisition being an example of being able to collaborate and communicate with him, and him being able to articulate his vision for the player.”

“We aligned there, and then we had the opportunity to bring a good football player in and see where that goes.”

Adams began his career as a safety but is now formally listed as a linebacker on the Vikings’ roster.

“He’s always had kind of that hybrid skill set, and so that was the first thought – – how it would fit into Flo’s system,” Teasley continued.

“Then, just knowing the person, the energy and the passion that he plays with, and having Flo able to articulate his vision for the player, it molded into both of us aligning in that vision. So, let’s bring a good football player in and see where it can go.”

Kyler Murray and the Bigger Bet

Teasley touched on Murray, the Vikings’ main offseason addition from the Arizona Cardinals and frontrunner to win the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy. “I think Kyler accomplished some really good things and did some really good things in his time with Arizona. I can’t speak to anything beyond that. I wasn’t in that building,” he clarified.

“But I know here, we’re really confident in our ability to put players in position to do what they do best as often as possible, and then to also develop them off the field so that they can be the best version of themselves.”

Every 17 starts, Murray averaged 30 passing and rushing touchdowns, so Teasley’s declaration isn’t out of left field. There’s a chance that he will produce a Sam Darnold-like season and later remain the Vikings’ quarterback for years.

Developing the Human Being, Not Just the Athlete

Unsurprisingly, Teasley also emphasizes character, which has been at the forefront of the organization since O’Connell arrived four years ago.

“This entire building and the reason that we’re here is for players. If you don’t believe that, then you’re in the wrong business. I try to get to know the person,” Teasley explained.

“I want to know who they are, what makes them tick, and I want them to know that my door is open. I’m available. Come in. Let’s get to know each other. I’m here to support them and help them be the best version of themselves on and off the field.”

Teasley has an open-door policy and cares about the human, not the athlete, first.

The new executive will conduct his first NFL draft as the main boss in eight months. Don’t forget his edict on versatility and character – – he has officially advertised those characteristics.

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VikesNow Verdict: Teasley’s philosophy is straightforward: identify what players do well, let coaches maximize versatile skill sets, and invest in development beyond football. That blueprint already appears in Minnesota’s bets on Adams and Murray.