 in the 2nd Quarter against New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jay-Ward.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=604,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jay-Ward.jpg”><figcaption><span>Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; Minnesota Vikings Defensive Back Jay Ward (20) in the 2nd Quarter against New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images.</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>Every summer, at least one or two Minnesota Vikings players bust out of the woodwork, leaving casual fans asking, “Who is that guy?”</p>
<h2>We asked our staff to predict the Vikings’ breakout players this summer, and here’s who they came up with this go-round.</h2>
<p><a href=)
Training camp is about six weeks away, and that’s where such performers will begin to stand out.
So, we asked our VikingsTerritory writers to predict the breakout personality at training camp and in the preseason. These were their replies.
1. Theo Jackson (S)
Breakout Predictor: Janik Eckardt
Jackson is more than just a desperate attempt to fill the void created by Camryn Bynum’s departure. He has been good whenever he was given the chance to play on defense, and the fourth-year defender will show that he will be a starter for years to come.
2. Bo Richter (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Tony Schultz
 attempts to intercept the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_24070952_168394844_lowres.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=786,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_24070952_168394844_lowres.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/USATSI_24070952_168394844_lowres.jpg” alt ><figcaption>Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota linebacker Bo Richter (98) attempts to intercept the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Many will likely pick someone like <a href=)
Dallas Turner or Tai Felton. Let’s dig deeper. I’d say Bo Richter is going to move forward in more ways than one. He has been solid in special teams, but has also shown up when he had opportunities on defense. With Patrick Jones gone, that backup defensive end spot opens up, and he will take advantage.
3. Max Brosmer (QB)
Breakout Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Currently, the QB4 will quickly resemble the QB3, while inspiring hope that he could become the long-term QB2.
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
Breakout Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dwight-McGlothern.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=560,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dwight-McGlothern.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dwight-McGlothern.jpg” alt=”Vikings”><figcaption>Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota cornerback Dwight McGlothern (29) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Vikings are hoping one of their young CBs will step up this summer, as they chose not to draft a corner in the draft. Blackmon may be the favorite for the CB3 job, but McGlothern impressed the staff last season and will have a shot.</p>
<h3>5. Tai Felton (WR)</h3>
<p>Breakout Predictor: <strong>Ted Schwerzler</strong></p>
<p>He’ll need to cut into Jalen Nailor’s reps if he’s going to make a serious impact, but it wouldn’t be shocking if he ultimately winds up as the third wideout. The talent is legit.</p>
<h3>6. Justin Skule (OT)</h3>
<p>Breakout Predictor: <strong>Wesley Johnson</strong></p>
<p>If all goes well, you likely will not hear much from Skule, as that means Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw had fully healthy 2025 campaigns. The more likely scenario is that the Vikings ease Darrisaw back from a late October knee injury during the first few weeks of the season. Enter Skule, who performed admirably as a swing tackle last season with Tampa Bay.</p>
<p>He should be able to provide more on the edge than Cam Robinson was able to offer. Protecting J.J. McCarthy’s blindside and keeping him upright will be of the utmost importance this season. Skol for Skule.</p>
<h3>7. Rondale Moore (WR)</h3>
<p>Breakout Predictor: <strong>Josh Frey</strong></p>
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<figure><img loading=)
Cole Smith
My summer breakout Viking is Jay Ward. Everyone is focusing on Theo Jackson getting an extended role, which I also believe to be true.
But I keep hearing about Ward making an impact in minicamp. Ward has brought physicality to the field in limited exposure. Can he combine that with football savvy and IQ to contribute some on defense in 2025?
9. Gabriel Murphy (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
He could very well see a decent amount of snaps this season, along with a significant role on special teams.
10. Silas Bolden (WR)
Breakout Predictor: Dustin Baker
 runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) runs to defend in the second quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25163400.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=793,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25163400.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/USATSI_25163400.jpg” alt><figcaption>Texas Longhorns wide receiver Silas Bolden (11) runs the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) runs to defend in the second quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>This shall have a caveat — Bolden turns heads as a punt returner.</p>
<p>The man has 4.38 speed, and the Vikings have not re-signed <a href=)
Brandon Powell this offseason, the club’s punt returner for the last two seasons. Jalen Nailor could win the punt returning job, but let’s roll with Bolden to score the upset, earning a spot on the roster as WR5 — or WR6 if Kevin O’Connell keeps six wide receivers.
This could possibly mean that Rondale Moore doesn’t make it to the regular season roster.
11. Dallas Turner (OLB)
Breakout Predictor: Adam New
After a somewhat quiet rookie season that led to question marks over his first-round selection. Dallas Turner will explode in Year 2 and reach double figures in sacks and build a reputation as one of the league’s best young pass rushers.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily … More about Dustin Baker
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