If the popular-but-unofficial “Mr. Mankato” award were handed out today, 5th-round rookie cornerback Charles Demmings would probably take home the honor. As of late, though, wide receiver + return man Myles Price has conducted a late surge.
Together, the two men have stolen the Vikings’ summer, as training camp winds down and the preseason hits full swing.
No Two Vikings Have Raised Their Stock More
Charles Demmings | CB
The Vikings found Demmings in Round 5 of April’s draft, and based on his performance at training camp, one could interpret him as a 1st-Rounder if they didn’t know any different. Of course, Demmings still has to translate his training camp flair to the regular season, but his performance has been so consistent that it would be really weird if he showed up to the regular season and did nothing.
Demmings possesses the athletic potential Minnesota sought, and his rapid assimilation of the game has been truly impressive. He sniffs out the ball and has maintained this high level of play throughout training camp.
Onlookers expected a player from Stephen F. Austin to need time to adjust this summer, yet Demmings has accelerated his development, making him an immediate contender for playing time. He feels like the CB4 right now, and Vikings fans wouldnot be too apprehensive about seeing him on the field in September.
“What I do right now or the rep that just passed is not enough. Execution, it has to be at an all-time high. The mental, it has to be at an all-time high – – and not even just that, fellowship when I’m on the sideline, making sure I’m being a great teammate, not just a great player,” Demmings said earlier this month.
“And so trying to do that and being really intentional about that, that has helped not only me as a person but my style of play when I’m on the field, just to go out there and execute at an elite level.”
Myles Price | WR
Price offered a surprise story last summer because he was an undrafted free agent who later made the Vikings’ 53-man roster as a kick and punt returner. Minnesota didn’t really entertain using him on offense, but the script has flipped in 2026. The man could be auditioning for a WR4 job behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell had already praised Price’s growth during OTAs. By August, the Vikings’ coaching staff was openly commending his marked improvement from Year 1 to Year 2.
His one-handed touchdown catch against New York was particularly remarkable, followed by another during Wednesday’s practice against Baltimore. Price is not only solidifying his role as return specialist but is also now a sexy option on offense.
Price said about his development a couple of weeks ago, “Man, it’s slowing down a lot. I remember last year, this time, I was hearing those play calls, and I was so confused on what’s going on; I was asking everybody, ‘Hold on, what’s that?’ But now I’m calmer back there. I’m able to hear the call, know the call and do my job.”
Price is growing as a playmaker on the fly. Fans already knew Price had speed galore. The ability to run routes and catch the football feels like a sudden bonus.
Honorable Mentions
Safety Jacob Thomas and running back Demond Claiborne have made progress this summer, too, positioning themselves somewhat closely behind Demmings and Price.
Thomas, an undrafted free agent, earned his opportunity on defense largely because he quickly assimilated Brian Flores’ system, teammates and coaches noted. That preparation culminated in a strong preseason performance last weekend, including an interception.
Claiborne has showcased his explosive speed since spring and performed commendably against the Giants. While not yet guaranteed spots, both players have made strides toward securing a place on the 53-man roster. For Claiborne, it’s a matter of earning the RB3 or RB4 job. Thomas has a clearer path to the active roster after Jamal Adams’s unfortunate season-ending injury.
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VikesNow Verdict: Demmings and Price entered the summer with dramatically different expectations, but both have changed how the Vikings must view them. If their August performances carry into September, two secondary roster pieces could become sweet contributors in 2026.
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