3 Minnesota Vikings hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to know.
Minnesota’s defense is built on pressuring the quarterback, and after a modest rookie campaign, Dallas Turner is primed for a leap in 2025. The 2024 first-round pick managed just three sacks and 12 pressures last season, but context matters: Turner was fourth on the team in pass-rush snaps, buried behind established veterans. With Patrick Jones II now in Carolina, Turner is set for a significant uptick in playing time.
The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2025 NFL season with a roster headlined by stars like Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, and Brian O’Neill. But beneath the surface, several lesser-known players are poised to play pivotal roles in Minnesota’s push for an NFC North title. Here are three hidden gems on the Vikings’ 2025 roster that every fan should have on their radar.
Theo Jackson: The Next Man Up at Safety
Ivan Pace Jr.: The Undrafted Dynamo at Linebacker
Ivan Pace Jr. has already exceeded expectations as a former undrafted free agent, but he remains overlooked outside Minnesota. Since arriving in 2023, Pace has played in 28 games, racking up 174 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. His rookie season earned him a stellar 77.1 PFF grade, and while injuries led to a dip in 2024, Pace has proven he belongs as a staple in Brian Flores’ defense.
