3 Vikings Players Have a Prime Opportunity for a Breakout Season in 2025

Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans reacts during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings are turning the page to 2025 after a disappointing playoff exit in the Wild Card round last season.

With a new season comes massive opportunity for young players to step up and fill some much-needed roles on Minnesota’s roster. Here is a look at three Vikings players who have a big chance for a breakout season this year.

CB Mekhi Blackmon

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) intercepts the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Mekhi Blackmon, of course, suffered a torn ACL last summer that ended his season on the very first day of training camp.

Now, the 2023 third-round pick is hoping to not only stay healthy, but potentially snatch a starting spot on the defense. While Byron Murphy is far and away the best CB on the team, major question marks follow after that with veterans Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah competing with with Blackmon for a starting role.

Blackmon spoke on his injury back in January when he told reporters, “Really, I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it was real. I didn’t really think I was injured at all. Just thought I got banged up a little. So when I got the news, I was real bummed. But everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes, so I’m just kind of waiting for my turn, and it’s coming soon.”

The 26-year-old has a big opportunity in front of him this year.

OLB Dallas Turner

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

When the Vikings selected Dallas Turner in the first round of the 2024 draft, many fans came away from the selection with high expectations for the Alabama alum.

Those fans were then promptly disappointed when Turner played just 300 snaps (28% of the total possible) on defense during his rookie season.

That being said, those expectations should have been lowered a touch considering Turner was one of the youngest rookies in the NFL at 21 years old, and Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel each turned in Pro Bowl caliber seasons.

Greenard and Van Ginkel still exist, but without Patrick Jones on the roster, that should open up more opportunities for Turner. Additionally, the Vikings seriously beefed up their interior defensive line with acquisitions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

With Allen, Greenard, Hargrave, Harrison Phillips, and Van Ginkel eating up so much of an offense’s attention, little more can be given anywhere else when blocking a pass rush. That leaves a golden opportunity for an athletic freak like Turner to slip through the cracks and put together a ton of sacks.

WR Rondale Moore

Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.

Rondale Moore has yet to live up to his second round draft pick status, which is why the Arizona Cardinals felt comfortable enough to part ways with him last offseason when they traded him to the Atlanta Falcons.

Moore promptly injured his knee and did not play a single game in 2024.

Now, he has a chance to revitalize his career in a Vikings offense that has arguably a top-5 WR duo in the NFL, an improved offensive line, and a hungry young quarterback looking to leave his mark on the league.

Moore possesses fantastic speed, and the Vikings should give him plenty of opportunities to slip behind opposing defenses and potentially take some carries out of the backfield on unique formations.

The fifth-year receiver totaled 54 receptions for 435 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season in 2021, and he is yet to eclipse any of those totals in the years since. Now, as a more under the radar player in Minnesota, perhaps he can put together a strong season.

Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.