5 fastest players on the Vikings 2023 roster

Fastest Vikings player of 2023

Kalon Barnes - CB

40-yard dash time: 4.23 seconds

Kalon Barnes appeared in his first two NFL games last season with the Vikings, playing only on special teams downs.

The former Baylor Bear was drafted 242nd overall (seventh round) in 2022 by the Carolina Panthers, and was waived before the beginning of the season. He then signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad, where he was poached by the Vikings.

Barnes is unlikely to see much, if any playing time on defense barring injuries, but should compete for more reps as a special teamer. He’s still just 24 years old, but he hasn’t played much football over the last three years, only appearing in just 14 games over his final two seasons in college, and just two games with limited playing time last season.

Barnes ran a 4.23-second 40-yard dash during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, resulting in the second fastest time recorded at the combine ever, and easily ranking him as the fastest player on the current Vikings roster.

Speed doesn’t always translate to on-field production, but it can definitely help make tackles on special team, and when following a speedy receiver.