5 undrafted free agents who could make the Vikings final 2023 roster

No. 1

Andre Carter II - EDGE (Army)

The Vikings landed two undrafted free-agent rookies, who weren't just expected to get drafted, but to go fairly early. The first was linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. out of Cincinnati, and the second was an edge rusher from Army, Andre Carter II.

Carter was projected to be a late first-round choice early in the undrafted season. By the time the Scouting Combine arrived, he was generally going in the second round, but after his poor workout, his stock took a tumble. Carter did not display elite athletic ability and was barely even average. He had a 30-inch vertical, a 9'11" broad jump, and the real kicker was his poor bench performance, putting 225 pounds up just 11 times.

Carter also needs to add some bulk and muscle to his frame. Right now he's a lanky 6-foot-6.5 and 256 pounds. He needs to pack on some weight and then turn that weight into muscle so he can improve his strength.

Despite the poor workout, Carter has immense potential. He's got that god-given size and he's explosive off the snap. He needs a year to bulk up and build up that strength, and he is the definition of a project. The reason he could make the active roster is that other teams are aware of his upside, and if he gets cut there's no guarantee he will clear waivers. He also wouldn't be safe stashed away on the practice squad because another team could always snipe him and sign him to their active roster.

There's no question that Carter is at least a year away from making an impact, but he could still be one of the undrafted free agents who make this final roster.