Surprise Signing: Minnesota Vikings Shock NFL by Signing Undrafted Defensive Lineman Elijah Williams from Jersey City, a Morgan State University Alumnus
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minnesota Vikings have once again demonstrated their penchant for unearthing hidden talent, making a surprising move that has sent ripples across the NFL. The team has officially signed undrafted defensive lineman Elijah Williams, a standout from Morgan State University in Jersey City, a pick-up that has raised eyebrows and garnered significant attention for both the player and his alma mater.
Williams, who went undrafted in the recent NFL Draft, was extended an invitation to the Vikings’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. What was intended as a mere opportunity to showcase his skills evidently turned into a full-fledged audition, as the Jersey City native impressed the coaching staff enough to earn himself an NFL contract. This kind of success story, where a tryout player converts an opportunity into a roster spot, is rare and speaks volumes about Williams’s talent and relentless effort.
At Morgan State, Williams carved out a dominant collegiate career, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52) over 42 games. His senior season was particularly impactful, with 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning him the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award and making him a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the nation’s top FCS defensive player. Despite these accolades and his disruptive presence, NFL scouts seemed to overlook him in the draft process.
The Vikings, however, clearly saw something special. Williams, at 6-foot-3 and around 285 pounds, might be considered slightly undersized by some NFL standards for a defensive tackle, but his quick first step, relentless motor, and proven ability to get into the backfield appear to have been enough to sway the Vikings’ defensive coaches. This signing not only provides a chance for Williams to prove himself at the highest level but also shines a much-deserved spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the talent they produce, often undervalued in the mainstream draft narrative.
As Williams joins the Vikings’ 90-man offseason roster, he’ll have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the final 53-man roster or practice squad. His journey from an undrafted tryout to an NFL contract is a testament to his perseverance and a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from any corner of the football world.
