4 players the Vikings must make room for on the final 2023 roster

Player No. 2

Tay Gowan - CB

When the Vikings use high draft picks on cornerbacks like Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, and Mekhi Blackmon and sign a high-profile free agent like Byron Murphy, it's easy for young second or third-year players to get lost in the shuffle. That is what has happened with Tay Gowan, but his play so far in camp is making him get plenty of attention.

Gowan has stood out on defense and special teams. He reportedly has played out of his head, being a physical beast as a gunner flying down the field, avoiding blocks as he tracks down the returner.

In coverage, he has been sticky as sap, staying stride for stride with the receiver he was paired off against. He also has been going after the football, laying claim to every ball that comes his way.

Gowan has performed so well that the team has to keep him at this point. He will be a major asset on special teams, and he looks like a much more reliable option on the cornerback depth chart than Booth, who just can't stay healthy. The Vikings need to find a spot for him because the dude has earned it.