Players who could make the Vikings because of their special teams ability

WR Dan Chisena

Chisena is a major long shot to make the Vikings’ final roster, but if he is able to defy the odds and do it, it’ll be because of his special team’s studliness. Dan Chisena is a former collegiate track star who walked on as a receiver at Penn State. He only caught three passes in his college career but was a star on special teams.

Chisena runs a 4.32 forty yard dash, so he’s got plenty of speed. He also isn’t afraid to make a tackle when he’s going full speed and will throw his body in harm’s way to make a play. Chisena stood out as a special teamer at Penn State and that’s what earned him a scholarship. The Vikings clearly had their eye on this kid and brought him in solely for his ability to fly down the field and make a hit. He is a player who really could have stood out in the second halves of preseason games and would’ve been a fun one to watch every time the Vikings kicked off or punted the football.

If Chisena were to make the Minnesota Vikings, a series of dominoes would have to fall into place first. First of all, he’d have to play great in every single practice. K.J. Osborn would need to beat out Ameer Abdullah as the return man, making him expendable. It also wouldn’t hurt if Kris Boyd got injured, as that would clear the way for him to make the team as a gunner. if those things came to pass, Chisena could make the team and be a standout on special teams, but it’s more likely he ends up on the practice squad.