5 Vikings rookies who impressed in preseason Week 1 vs. the Raiders

Week 1 of the preseason was an exciting one for the Minnesota Vikings. It was the first opportunity fans had to see some of the up-and-coming stars the team added during the offseason in action against the Las Vegas Raiders.

There was plenty for fans to be excited about in the first Vikings preseason win since 2019. Not only was the game a nail-biter that came down to the final seconds, but several of the team's exciting young players stood out positively.

A team in transition, expectations are low for Minnesota during the 2024 NFL season, but the future still looks bright with some of the team's rookies making key plays in the 24-23 victory over the Raiders on Saturday.

5 Vikings rookies who thrived in preseason Week 1 vs. the Raiders

Seeing rookies in action was one of the primary reasons for Minnesota Vikings fans to tune in to watch Saturday's exhibition action. Many of those young players did not disappoint and put forth encouraging efforts on Saturday. Here are five who stood out.

J.J. McCarthy, quarterback

An early interception under duress was a bit of a downer for McCarthy, but Minnesota's rookie quarterback recovered in a big way. The rookie showed off his arm talent and recognition on two nice touchdown passes while completing 11 of his 17 pass attempts for 188 yards. If he can continue to make big plays in the preseason, Vikings fans will be clamoring for J.J. McCarthy to start sooner rather than later.

Dallas Turner, edge

Minnesota's other first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, edge rusher Dallas Turner looked like a force to be reckoned with despite not playing a ton in Week 1 of the preseason. The Alabama alum was consistently in Vegas' backfield and ended the day with two hits on opposing quarterbacks including one where he registered a sack.

Will Reichard, kicker

Like McCarthy, Will Reichard's day had a frustrating start. Protection failed on his first field goal attempt and it ended up being blocked. He followed that up with three made extra points and the game-winning field goal as the clock expired to give the Vikings the win.

Bo Richter, edge

Coming into this game, there is a chance many Vikings fans weren't familiar with edge rusher Bo Richter. The undrafted free agent rookie from the Air Force made himself known by getting into the backfield often. He ended the day with six total tackles, two of those for a loss with one being a quarterback sack.

Levi Drake Rodriguez, defensive line

Overall, the defensive line struggled in Week 1 of the preseason but Levi Drake Rodriguez had his name called on several occasions. A seventh-round pick of Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rodriguez got his hand on a Raiders' pass, sacked a Vegas quarterback, and looked like a player with tremendous upside during Saturday's victory.

More Vikings news and analysis