Andrew Buller-Russ
Entering the offseason strapped for cash, the Minnesota Vikings have had to move on from several veteran players. Center Ryan Kelly retired after dealing with multiple concussions. Receiver Jalen Nailor left for a bigger payday and potentially a better opportunity to start in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the Vikings released two former Pro Bowl starting defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Harrison Smith, who is said to be contemplating retirement, has also been released. Meanwhile, former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah’s contract has expired, and the Vikings have replaced him with James Pierre, who’s only signed through 2027.
With Smith’s future up in the air, the Vikings are looking a bit thin in the secondary, especially at safety. Yet, one could argue that their cornerback room could use more depth too, and it has for several seasons.
However, the Vikings’ front office has been busy evaluating prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, and there may be one cornerback who has caught the team’s eye.
According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Vikings were recently in attendance at the Stephen F. Austin Pro Day, where they watched cornerback prospect Charles Demmings go through a workout.
Demmings opted against re-running the 40-yard dash after clocking a respectable 4.41 time at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also chose to keep the 42-inch vertical leap he previously displayed too.
However, Demmings did go through position drills, where Pauline says the CB was “terrific, easily moving around the field and catching the ball.” The Vikings actually ran the drills that Demmings participated in, and once they were over, he met with Minnesota’s defensive backs coach, Gerald Alexander.
The Vikings have nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Demmings is not viewed as a first-round prospect, but he could come into play on Day 3 of the selection process, if not a bit sooner.
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