Former Vikings player No. 5
Duke Shelly, cornerback
Many Minnesota Vikings fans were surprised when Duke Shelly wasn't re-signed after he had a season where he filled in nicely and made some good plays to keep the team competitive for the 2022 NFL season.
Shelly was waived by the Bears after the 2021 season and brought into the Vikings' practice squad. He wound up seeing action in 11 games, starting five of those but left for the Raiders in free agency after last season.
Now a member of the Rams, Shelly is still a player who would help fans feel a bit more comfortable about a unit including unproven players like Andrew Booth Jr. NaJee Thompson, Jay Ward, and Mekhi Blackmon.
Considering the receiving talent on NFL rosters, having young, talented players on the roster to grow and develop can help a franchise be successful not only immediately but for many seasons down the road.