Kicker among notable Vikings 2021 undrafted free-agent signings
By Luke Parrish
Offense and Special Teams UDFAs
Blake Proehl – WR (East Carolina)
Caught nine touchdowns in three seasons at East Carolina while racking up 1,576 yards receiving. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 186 pounds, so he has the length to be a fun developmental project at receiver. His father and brother both spent time in the NFL. Proehl will likely be a practice squad candidate in 2020.
A.J. Rose – RB (Kentucky)
A.J. Rose is a big-bodied running back with a lot of contact balance. He is not going to be a feature back, but rather a rotational backup with a defined role at the next level. The Vikings have their guys on the roster already after drafting Kene Nwangwu in the fourth round this year, but Rose can be a practice squad back with a chance to make the roster later on due to injury.
Myron Mitchell – WR (UAB)
Very limited experience at the college level after transferring from Butler Community College. Honorable Mention All-Conference USA twice as a receiver and once as a returner. Can compete with some other young guys for return duties, but likely not going to win the job.
Riley Patterson – K (Memphis)
Rick Spielman wants a kicking competition in training camp and this solidifies it. Connected on 77 percent of his attempts throughout his collegiate career while also converting 98 percent of his extra points – which are not the same as the NFL. If there’s one player to bank on making the final roster, always go with the kicker winning a battle.
Whop Philyor – WR (Indiana)
As an Indiana fan, this is an awesome pick-up on the cheap. Philyor racked up 1,002 yards as a junior in 2019 and was a breakout player in the Big Ten. His role will be limited to the slot but with not much speed to his game, Philyor will have to carve out a role with his hands and winning ability in the middle of the field.
Turner Bernard – LS (San Diego State)
The Vikings do not currently have a long snapper available for rookie minicamp. Given the addition of a kicker in this undrafted class, they needed to go out and grab someone who can provide those reps for Riley Patterson.