The Minnesota Vikings’ rookie draft class got their first NFL action in Saturday’s 20-10 victory over the Houston Texans. Four of their five picks played, as tight end Gavin Bartholomew remains on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list with a back injury.
Some of the notable undrafted free agents made their impact felt as well, notably Max Brosmer, the former Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback. We’ll grade the picks, as well as some of the notable undrafted guys, below.
Donovan Jackson
Grade: C-
Jackson only played the first series. On 12 snaps, he allowed one pressure, presumably a play where he tripped on center Ryan Kelly’s foot. Jackson was Minnesota’s second-lowest graded offensive player according to PFF with a 44.5 grade. We’ll attribute this to rookie nerves and not overreact to the limited sample size.
Tai Felton
Grade: B+
Felton caught two passes for 14 yards that went for two first downs. But his most impactful play came when he dislodged a ball that Texans returner Jawhar Jordan struggled to bring in on a punt return. Felton’s role on the offense will hopefully grow as the season progresses, but he can make an immediate impact on special teams if he continues making plays like that.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Grade: C
Ingram-Dawkins registered one tackle, per PFF. Most notable was his alignment, lining up over the offensive tackle 12 times, a defensive tackle eight times, and as a nose tackle once. He received a 62.5 PFF grade.
Kobe King
Grade: B-
King played 29 snaps on defense, receiving a 69.0 PFF grade after registering two tackles and a QB pressure.
Max Brosmer
Grade: A-
PFF was rough on Brosmer, giving him the lowest grade among all offensive players. But he was 5/8 passing for 47 yards and a touchdown, displaying poise and throwing into tight windows downfield to either extend drives or to give receivers opportunities to make plays.
Silas Bolden
Grade: D
Bolden’s chances to make the roster increased after the unfortunate injury to Rondale Moore. However, he struggled in his limited opportunities on offense. He caught one pass for three yards but dropped a beautiful pass from Brosmer later in the game. Bolden had one return for eight yards, which will be his best chance of making the roster. But he has to take advantage of every pass thrown his way to justify the roster spot on a pass-first team.
Tyler Batty
Grade: B
Batty received an average grade from PFF, getting a 59.9 score. But although he generated a QB pressure, his biggest play came when he deflected a slant pass that was intercepted by safety Kahlef Hailassie.