The Minnesota Vikings, sitting at a precarious 3-4 record, face a critical juncture in their 2025 season. With a looming matchup against the formidable Detroit Lions in Week 8, the next two to three weeks will reveal whether Kevin O’Connell’s squad can claw their way back into the win column or spiral into a season of futility. If the latter unfolds, expect the Vikings to turn to their younger talent, giving promising rookies and second-year players a chance to shine. Here are three young stars on the Vikings’ bench who are primed to demand more snaps if the season takes a turn for the worse.
Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins (DT)
The Vikings’ defensive tackle depth is a quiet strength, and rookie 5th-round pick Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins is poised to capitalize on it. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Minnesota could become sellers, potentially moving veterans like Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave to clear cap space or gain draft capital. Such a move would open the door for Dawkins, who’s already shown flashes of potential in limited action.
In seven games, Dawkins has logged roughly 100 snaps, earning a Pro Football Focus grade nearing 60.0—a solid mark for a rookie. His versatility, highlighted by head coach Kevin O’Connell before the season, makes him an ideal candidate for expanded roles. O’Connell praised Dawkins’ ability to play multiple positions along the defensive front, from an early-down interior lineman to a 5-technique or even a bigger-bodied edge rusher against certain opponents. “He’s been part of the reason why you feel so great about that d-line depth,” O’Connell noted.
If the Vikings shift their focus to developing young talent, Dawkins is the perfect player to insert into the lineup. With Jalen Redmond already making waves and in the conversation for Pro Bowl honors, Dawkins could form a dynamic, youthful duo in the trenches, giving opposing offenses headaches.
Dwight McGlothern (CB)
The Vikings’ secondary has been a revolving door of injuries and underperformance, and undrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern is knocking loudly for more opportunities. Veteran corner Jeff Okudah’s struggles, compounded by his second concussion of the season in Week 7, have put his availability—and starting role—in jeopardy. Unless Minnesota signs a veteran like Stefon Gilmore or trades for a seasoned corner, McGlothern is the next man up.
So far in 2025, McGlothern has seen just 26 defensive snaps, primarily on special teams. However, his preseason performances over the past two years have been electric. Targeted 13 times in exhibition games since 2024, he’s allowed only eight catches for 65 yards, with one interception and a stellar 42.1 passer rating against. At 6’2” with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, McGlothern brings elite size and speed to the Vikings’ secondary, making him the team’s biggest corner on the active roster.
Janik Eckardt, a Vikings analyst, noted McGlothern’s rise: “He’s been a real summer star, but the opportunities in real football games just haven’t been there.” With a college career boasting 113 tackles and eight interceptions—seven in his final two seasons—McGlothern has a knack for finding the ball. If the Vikings’ season trends downward, expect “Nudie” to see significant defensive snaps, potentially locking down a starting role.
Ben Yurosek (TE)
Undrafted rookie tight end Ben Yurosek is another young talent waiting in the wings. Two factors could thrust him into a bigger role. First, veteran tight end Josh Oliver suffered an ankle injury in Week 7. While X-rays were negative, per FantasyPros, Oliver’s status remains uncertain, and he could miss a game or two. Second, if the Vikings’ season derails—especially after a potential loss to the Lions—they might consider trading star tight end T.J. Hockenson for a mid- or late-round draft pick, though this remains unlikely.
Yurosek has appeared in five games this season, primarily on special teams, with one catch for five yards. His limited offensive involvement belies his potential to contribute in the passing game. If Oliver’s recovery lingers or the Vikings pivot to youth development, Yurosek could see meaningful snaps as a pass-catching tight end.
The Vikings’ 2025 season hangs in the balance, and the upcoming weeks will determine their trajectory. A turnaround could keep the veterans on the field, but a slide toward irrelevance will open the door for Minnesota’s young guns to prove themselves. Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins, Dwight McGlothern, and Ben Yurosek are ready to seize the moment, bringing energy, versatility, and raw talent to a team that might need a spark. NFL defenses, take note: Minnesota’s bench is loaded, and these three young stars are demanding their shot.