The Vikings Rookie Shaking Up OTAs — And It’s Definitely Not the Name You Were Expecting
When the Minnesota Vikings arrived at TCO Performance Center for the 2025 OTAs, all eyes were on the big-name rookies—first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, the potential quarterback of the future, and high-profile additions like wide receiver Keon Coleman. But while those players have had their moments, it’s an unexpected name that has stolen the spotlight: sixth-round linebacker Malik Jamison out of Appalachian State.
Barely mentioned in draft coverage, Jamison was considered a developmental prospect with solid athletic traits but limited upside. Now? He’s forcing coaches—and fans—to rethink everything they thought they knew about the Vikings’ linebacker room.
According to multiple sources on the ground, Jamison has been flying around the field with speed and aggression, consistently disrupting passing lanes, chasing down running backs, and even picking off a tipped pass from veteran quarterback Sam Darnold. His instincts, motor, and surprisingly advanced understanding of Brian Flores’ defensive scheme have caught the coaching staff’s attention in a major way.
“He’s playing like he’s been in this system for years,” said linebackers coach Greg Manusky. “Malik’s intensity, his communication — it’s well beyond what we typically see from a rookie this early.”
What’s perhaps most surprising is how quickly Jamison is adapting to the mental side of the NFL. While many late-round defenders struggle with the complexity of pro schemes, Jamison has reportedly been the first in and last out of the film room, earning praise from veterans like Jordan Hicks and Ivan Pace Jr.
“He’s already asking the right questions and seeing things before they happen,” Pace said. “That’s rare.”
While it’s too early to crown Jamison a starter, there’s growing chatter that he could push for serious snaps in sub-packages or special teams duty—and possibly more if injuries occur. At a position group that was seen as relatively thin, Jamison’s emergence could be a massive boost to Minnesota’s depth and versatility.
The Vikings have a history of unearthing late-round gems, and if Jamison’s early OTA performance is any indication, they may have struck gold once again. Training camp will offer a clearer picture, but for now, one thing is clear:
Malik Jamison isn’t just making noise — he’s making his case.
