Newcomer offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark made an appearance on our VikesNow countdown of the most important Minnesota Vikings players of 2026; now, it’s time for a rookie cornerback: Charles Demmings.
Many fans already have big plans for Demmings, mainly because of his textbook cornerback mojo. Here’s the rest of the skinny on the rookie defensive back.
The Man with High Upside and Special Teams Utility
Demmings’s Role in 2026
Minnesota selected Demmings 163rd overall after he recorded 9 interceptions and 37 passes defensed across four active seasons at Stephen F. Austin. The 6-foot-1 corner then confirmed his athletic upside at the combine with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump.
Demmings excels in press coverage, utilizing his speed, quick feet, and change-of-direction ability to mirror playmakers. His excellent ball skills are legit, as well. However, he needs to improve his play recognition from off coverage and tackle more consistently.
Heading into training camp, with very little debate from fans, here’s the cornerback pecking order:
CB1: Byron Murphy Jr.
CB2: Isaiah Rodgers
CB3: James Pierre
CB4: Charles Demmings
CB5: Dwight McGlothern
In theory, Minnesota could sign a veteran, like Fabian Moreau, who filled in productively as the CB3 when Jeff Okudah missed time in 2025, but for now, Demmings can reasonably be penciled in as the CB4.
That feels like the perfect spot for a scrappy 5th-round rookie from a small school.
Demmings also flashed during minicamp, elevating in tight redzone coverage to break up a Kyler Murray pass intended for Jeshaun Jones. One offseason obviously play guarantees nothing, but it provided an early glimpse of the length and explosiveness the Vikings drafted.
What Success Looks Like
Success for Demmings looks like playing time. Plain and simple. He’s unlikely to show enough at training camp and in the preseason to dethrone Murphy Jr., Rodgers, or Pierre – – 5th-rounders rarely do that as rookies – – but he can angle for CB4 snaps, which would be bumped to CB3 or so if an injury or two hobbled the men at the top of the depth chart.
Meanwhile, Rodgers, the CB2, is scheduled to test free agency in 2027, and if Demmings showed enough behind the scenes at practice or on the regular season field, he could be promoted as early as next year.
The man needs playing time. That’s hard to come by for late-round rookies. If Demmings gets snaps, he must show that he belongs in the pros. It’s worth noting that Murphy Jr. and Rodgers played 34 games combined in 2025. One might be “due” for an injury, shoving Demmings closer to the front of the pack.
Purple Insider‘s Matthew Coller wrote about Demmings in May, “Demmings’ remarkable disposition was on display on draft night. Everyone is excited to be drafted but he displayed a controlled enthusiasm that suggested he views reaching the NFL as just the beginning of his journey rather than the final goal.”
“The Vikings spent a lot of time in the pre-draft process getting to know Demmings and his memorable personality. They saw him at the Senior Bowl, met with him at his pro day and spent time with him via Zoom call leading up to the draft.”
What Could Make This Ranking Look Too Low – – or Too High
No. 31 will be too high for Demmings if he plays less than 100 snaps. Think about it: how important is a CB4 if the other three corners hog all playing time?
Still, Demmings can carve out a spot on special teams and be the next man up on defense if tapped on the shoulder by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
The ranking will be too low if Demmings brings to life a stellar season. Many draft nuts are already high on him as a late-round steal. He ranks this high on VikesNow‘s list because it will be vital for the Vikings to nurture a young cornerback. The club has not connected on an organically drafted corner who stayed longer than a rookie contract in about 13 years. The latest hope is Demmings.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis opined on Demmings this week: “Arrives with a megawatt smile and an electric personality. His athleticism pops, too. Should bring special teams explosiveness.”
Next in the Countdown
The countdown is flying by – – good news because that indicates the regular season isn’t far away. If you’ve missed any players so far, here’s a review.
40 | Myles Price (WR)
39 | Tai Felton (WR)
38 | Demond Claiborne (RB)
37 | Caleb Tiernan (OT)
36 | Bo Richter (OLB)
35 | Theo Jackson (S)
34 | Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
33 | Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT)
32 | Ryan Van Demark (OT)
31 | Charles Demmings (CB)
Up next? Rookie safety Jakobe Thomas, a 3rd-round selection from Miami. If Harrison Smith doesn’t return for Year No. 15, well, Thomas will be the first rookie tasked with filling his legendary shoes.
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VikesNow Verdict: Demmings has the athletic profile and ball production to become a legitimate win for Minnesota, but his rookie year should be judged through special teams, practice progress, and game-day availability – – not an arbitrary snap total. No. 31 is defensible because his long-term upside is crucial to defeat the Vikings’ recent drafting woes.
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