The Minnesota Vikings begin training camp next week, and all eyes will be on the quarterback. Whoever wins the competition will be expected to get Justin Jefferson and the other offensive weapons back on track after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
But there are several other players on offense who can play significant roles, even if they aren’t going to command production or snaps, such as Jefferson. In fact, their roles are almost amplified, with the expectation that all the attention being paid to the team’s WR1 should allow other players to flourish that much more.
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Below are three under-the-radar players on the Vikings‘ offense in 2026.
This is a sneaky one, with Claiborne, the 198th overall pick in April’s draft, almost destined to be the team’s RB3 when the season starts behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. But Jones will turn 32 in December and has always battled to stay healthy, while Mason has never consistently carried a full workload. That could push the speedy Claiborne up the depth chart as the season goes on, garnering more playing time and chances for him to provide game-breaking plays.
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Brandel admirably filled in at center last season, the first time in either his college or professional career that he played the position. The Vikings moved him to center full-time this offseason, expecting him to build on his 2025 campaign. Almost more important than anything will be Brandel’s health. Although Brandel has played all 51 games over the past three seasons, injuries held 2025 starting center Ryan Kelly to only eight starts with several other early exits. Brandel being healthy and available will be vital to consistency for not only him and the offensive line, but whoever is taking snaps at quarterback.
I’m putting a lot of faith in the rookie class here. Bredeson was the 159th pick in the draft, 49 spots above Claiborne. With C.J. Ham retired, Bredeson doesn’t have much competition at fullback. If he can digest Kevin O’Connell’s playbook, he can be utilized as an H-back who could resemble the 49ers’ utility piece, Kyle Juszczyk. That versatility can help the team implement assistant head coach Frank Smith’s added wrinkle to the offense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 under-the-radar players on offense for the Vikings in 2026
