As the NFL offseason settles into a quieter phase, the battle for roster spots intensifies for players vying to secure a place on teams like the Minnesota Vikings. For undrafted rookies, every snap, drill, and moment in the spotlight during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), minicamp, and training camp is a critical opportunity to prove their worth. Two undrafted players, cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn and receiver/returner Silas Bolden, are making waves and positioning themselves as serious contenders for the Vikings’ 2025 53-man roster or practice squad, with the potential for future elevations.

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, as reported on the New York Times website, Vaughn and Bolden have stood out over the past month. Vaughn, a promising cornerback, has consistently demonstrated his instincts by staying close to the ball and reacting confidently in coverage. His performance earned him reps with the starters during Thursday’s practice, a significant nod for an undrafted rookie. Meanwhile, Bolden has showcased his reliability as a pass-catcher while also proving his value as a return specialist, fielding both kicks and punts with ease.

Vaughn’s emergence comes at an opportune time for the Vikings, whose defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, has a proven track record of transforming inexperienced or overlooked defensive backs into reliable contributors. Vaughn is likely competing with another undrafted corner, Dwight McGlothern, for a spot in the secondary, and his ability to seize every opportunity could cement his place on the roster.

Bolden, on the other hand, brings versatility that could make him indispensable. While his college receiving stats may not jump off the page, his return game is a different story. With 41 kickoff returns for 1,017 yards and 33 punt returns for 412 yards, Bolden’s special teams prowess adds significant value. His skills as a returner and receiver will be compared to those of Rondale Moore, who has yet to fully participate in practice, giving Bolden a chance to shine in the interim.

The Vikings, a team with no shortage of talent on offense or defense, are known for their commitment to developing young prospects into regular contributors. For Vaughn and Bolden, the path to a roster spot is steep but not insurmountable. Their performances so far suggest they are executing their plan to perfection, capitalizing on every chance to impress the coaching staff. As training camp approaches, keeping an eye on these two undrafted rookies will add excitement to Minnesota’s offseason. If they continue their upward trajectory, both could find a lasting home with the franchise, proving that talent and determination can outweigh draft status in the NFL.