Vikings UDFA Roster Surprises: Brosmer, Williams Shine
Minneapolis, MN (August 19, 2025) — Vikings UDFA roster surprises are stealing the 2025 preseason spotlight, with Max Brosmer and Elijah Williams leading the charge. As the Minnesota Vikings near the NFL’s 53-man roster cutdown, these undrafted gems are making GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s decisions tougher than ever. On The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness with producer Dave Stefano for Vikings 1st & SKOL and Fans First Sports Network, the duo dives into Brosmer’s pinpoint throws and Williams’ disruptive pass rush, analyzing how these underdogs could secure spots and reshape Minnesota’s depth chart in a pivotal NFC North season.
Max Brosmer: A QB2 Contender in Vikings UDFA Roster Surprises
From Gophers to Vikings: Brosmer’s Journey
Max Brosmer, a 24-year-old quarterback signed as a UDFA in April 2024, has emerged as a preseason sensation. After a standout 2023 at New Hampshire (64% completion, 3,459 yards, 29 TDs) and a final season with the Minnesota Gophers, Brosmer caught the Vikings’ eye with his intelligence and fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. His work with elite QB coach Quincy Avery, who trains stars like C.J. Stroud, honed his anticipation and middle-of-the-field attacks—skills O’Connell values highly.
“What I love about Max is, there were some breakdowns up front, and maybe he couldn’t progress and read through concepts. But he plays with very fast eyes and very rarely puts the ball in harm’s way,” O’Connell said post-Patriots game (Aug. 16, 2025).
Preseason Performance: Seizing Every Rep
Brosmer’s preseason stats tell a compelling story. Against the Houston Texans (Aug. 9, 2025), he played 19 fourth-quarter snaps, going 5-for-8 for 47 yards and a touchdown to Myles Price. In a full half against the Patriots (Aug. 16, 2025), he completed 15-of-27 for 156 yards, with one interception and four sacks but showcased clutch throws like a 25-yard fourth-and-17 to Jeshaun Jones and a 28-yard deep ball to Tim Jones. Forness highlighted his consistency:
“He duplicated [a deep in-breaker] in the game… Max Brosmer could be the next Brock Purdy,” Forness said, comparing Brosmer’s overlooked status and system fit to the 49ers’ star.
Why Brosmer Matters
Brosmer’s rise isn’t just about stats—it’s about his fit as a high-IQ, system quarterback. O’Connell praised his ability to make corrections during 7-on-7 walkthroughs as an undrafted rookie, a rare trait. His chemistry with J.J. McCarthy, per O’Connell, drives both QBs to elevate their game. Forness estimates Brosmer could win 8-9 games if thrust into action, thanks to O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly scheme. With Sam Howell struggling (1-for-5, 13 yards, 1 INT vs. Patriots) and Brett Rypien likely practice-squad bound, Brosmer’s QB3 spot seems secure, with a “non-zero” chance at QB2.
Elijah Williams: The Tryout Star Turning Heads
From Morgan State to Minnesota: Williams’ Underdog Path
Elijah Williams, a 22-year-old defensive tackle, didn’t even sign as a UDFA out of the draft. Instead, he earned a contract after a standout tryout at the Vikings’ rookie minicamp in May 2025. At Morgan State (2021-24), Williams racked up 216 tackles, 52 tackles for loss, and 31 sacks—an FCS stat line that screams potential. At 6-3, 294 pounds (heavier than the outdated 270-pound listing), his size and movement skills make him a unique prospect.
“Elijah Williams keeps making plays for the Vikings, this time against the first-team Patriots offensive line,” Forness tweeted, sharing a video of Williams’ disruption.
Preseason Dominance: A Pass-Rush Prodigy
Williams has been a revelation, especially as a pass rusher. Against the Texans, he notched two solo tackles and consistent backfield pressure. Facing the Patriots, he hit the quarterback and disrupted plays against first-team linemen, showcasing elite hand placement and plus athleticism. Forness noted his background as an edge rusher at Morgan State gives him unique agility for a defensive tackle:
“He looks like he has plus movement skills for a guy his size… He’s able to keep offensive linemen at bay, get around them or through them,” Forness said.
Why Williams Stands Out
Williams’ production against higher-tier competition makes him a roster lock candidate. O’Connell called him “hungry,” noting his improbable journey from tryout to standout. However, the Vikings’ deep defensive line—featuring Jonathan Harris, Travis Bell, Jalen Redmond, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins—complicates roster math. Forness suggests an injury to Levi Drake Rodriguez could open a spot, but Williams’ play makes waiving him risky, as another team could claim him.
Other Standouts: Zavier Scott and Myles Price
Zavier Scott: The RB Depth Solution
Running back Zavier Scott, another 2025 UDFA, is addressing the Vikings’ perennial depth issues at the position. With 68 yards on 17 carries (4.0 YPC) in two games, Scott’s burst, vision, and special teams contributions make him a strong RB3 candidate behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Forness sees him as a practice-squad stash if not roster-bound, given the low claim rate (0.5-1%) for waived players.
Myles Price: The Return Game X-Factor
Wide receiver Myles Price may have locked up the returner role with an 81-yard kick return and a 20-yard punt return against the Patriots. Forness noted:
“He may have solidified the return job… If you can prevent spending an entire roster spot on a guy who’s just a returner, that’s a smart bet.”
Price’s special teams value could save a roster spot, especially with Ty Felton potentially redshirting as a developmental receiver.
Roster Math: The Vikings’ Tough Choices
The Vikings face a numbers game as cutdown day looms. Forness emphasized the flexibility in roster construction:
“Roster math is a fascinating conundrum… You could have nine offensive linemen or eight, five cornerbacks or six. You find ways to get guys on the roster because they earned it.”
Keeping seven defensive linemen, as Forness suggests, could accommodate Williams alongside Redmond and Ingram-Dawkins. Brosmer’s roster spot seems secure, but the QB2 battle remains open. Scott and Price’s special teams contributions add layers to the decision-making, potentially allowing the Vikings to skimp on other positions like wide receiver, where Thayer Thomas could slide to the practice squad.
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Why This Matters for Vikings Fans
The Vikings UDFA roster surprises—Brosmer, Williams, Scott, and Price—resolve the intrigue of this preseason: these underdogs are potential game-changers. Brosmer’s intelligence could stabilize the QB room if Howell falters. Williams’ disruption strengthens an already stout defensive line, critical in the NFC North. Scott and Price address depth and special teams, areas where the Vikings have struggled. For fans, this episode of The Real Forno Show offers a glimpse into the team’s future, blending expert analysis with actionable insights. Forness and Stefano’s breakdown proves why these players are worth rooting for—they embody the underdog spirit that defines Vikings fandom. Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL to stay updated on this roster saga.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing, this The Real Forno Show @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with the Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and the network’s NFL feed over at Pro Football Insiders @Pro_FB_Insiders. Your ultimate source for NFL insights, breaking news, and expert analysis. From draft prospects to game-day strategies, we’ve got the inside scoop!
Question
Who’s your pick for the Vikings’ biggest preseason surprise—Max Brosmer, Elijah Williams, or another underdog? Share your thoughts in the comments!