Louis Riddick Names the Vikings’ Undercover Stud from Draft

Riddick’s Annual List

Five years running, Riddick identifies players who he thinks will break out — call them unsung performers.

Here’s his list for 2026:

Time for the 5th annual list of my favorite non-first round prospects (tried to NOT select obvious 2nd rounders as well) from each team in the 2026 draft that could be a significant contributor/starter within the next 2-3 years:

Arizona: Chase Bisontis/OG/TX A&M
Atlanta: Zachariah Branch/WR/UGA
Baltimore: Ja’Kobi Lane/WR/USC
Buffalo: Kaleb Elarms-Orr/LB/TCU
Carolina: Chris Brazzell/WR/Tenn
Chicago: Malik Muhammad/DC/Texas
Cincinnati: Tacario Davis/CB/Wash
Cleveland: Taylen Green/QB/Arkansas
Dallas: Jaishawn Barham/Edge/Mich
Denver: Jonah Coleman/RB/Wash
Detroit: Keith Abney II/CB/AZ State
Grn Bay: Dani Dennis-Sutton/DL/PSU
Houston: Wade Woodaz/LB/Clemson
Indy: Deion Burks/WR/Oklahoma
Jax: Emmanuel Pregnon/OL/Oregon
KC: Jadon Canady/DB/Oregon
Las Vegas: Malik Benson/WR/Oregon
LAC: Brenen Thompson/WR/Miss St.
LAR: CJ Daniels/WR/Miami
Miami: Kyle Louis/LB/Pitt
Minn: Charles Demmings/CB/SFAustin
New England: Namdi Obiazor/LB/TCU
NO Saints: Bryce Lance/WR/ND State
NY Giants: Malachi Fields/WR/NDame
NY Jets: D’Angelo Ponds/CB/Indiana
Philly: Eli Stowers/TE/Vanderbilt
Pitt: Gennings Dunker/OL/Iowa
SF: Ephesians Prysock/CB/Wash
Seattle: Bud Clark/DB/TCU
Tampa Bay: Keionte Scott/DB/Miami
Tennessee: Anthony Hill Jr/LB/Texas
Wash: Antonio Williams/WR/Clemson

Quite a few of these players were intermixed in Vikings mock drafts from January to April.

The Demmings Scouting Report

Demmings has been a Viking for four days, so it’s time to learn about him before organized team activities (OTAs) get underway. He possesses an intriguing physical profile at 6’1,” and 195 pounds, complemented by a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. His impressive ball production, featuring nine college interceptions, immediately catches the eye.

On the field, his length is a clear asset in coverage, his tackling significantly improved at Stephen F. Austin, and he consistently stays attached to vertical threats downfield.

Concerns are straightforward: the level of competition he faced at Stephen F. Austin raises questions, and his tendency to get grabby will undoubtedly draw flags against NFL receivers.

The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Demmings: “Demmings is a small-school playmaker with the frame, length, and speed to develop as a press corner and make the jump to the NFL. He’s strong enough to reroute receivers and fast enough to stay in phase when he wins at the line of scrimmage. He reads the receiver’s hands when he gets caught out of phase and is able to turn and locate the ball when he’s in phase.”

“He closes well driving on in-breaking and out-breaking routes in off coverage. He intercepted four passes in 2025 and finished his career with nine total. He can high-point the ball with his big hands and outstanding vertical jump. He tracks the ball well and flashes the ability to make over-the-shoulder catches.”

Demmings turned 23 earlier this month.

Stephen F. Austin defensive back Chuck Demmings (DB07) speaks with media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center, with Feb. 26, 2026 capturing his availability in Indianapolis. Demmings answers questions and discusses his college career as evaluators gather information ahead of the draft process. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.

McShay added, “He’s not a fundamentally sound press corner at this point. He can overextend, shoot the wrong hand, and bite on the receiver’s first move at the line of scrimmage. His timed top-end speed is borderline outstanding, but he’s tight, and he doesn’t recover as well as those numbers might suggest.”

“He bites on double moves, and he can drift out of position in zone looks. Demmings may need time to refine his technique and adjust to the jump in competition, but he can provide depth at corner and develop into a no. 2. His frame, length, top-end speed, and physicality in coverage are reminiscent of 2022 fifth-round pick DaRon Bland.”

The Path to Playing Time

In 2025, the Vikings’ two main cornerbacks, Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers, remained totally healthy. Neither missed a game. That probably won’t happen again. Or, at the very least, the Vikings can’t assume that full health is the new normal. Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

If that happens, Minnesota will first turn to veteran James Pierre, signed by the team in free agency from the Pittsburgh Steelers, courtesy of new Vikings secondary coach Gerald Alexander, who worked with Pierre last season in Pittsburgh. After Pierre? That would be Demmings, unless the Vikings re-sign Fabian Moreau, who played wonderfully as a CB3 last season.

Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander reacts on the sideline during a preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, with Aug. 14, 2021 marking the game setting. Alexander smiles while observing the action, offering a glimpse into his coaching presence during in-game adjustments. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports.

So long as Demmings isn’t overwhelmed this summer, he has a path to playing time as the Vikings’ CB4 in 2026.

The Full Draft Class

Finally, a full recap of the Vikings’ draftees:

• Caleb Banks (DT) | Pick 18 (R1)
• Jake Golday (LB) | Pick 51 (R2)
• Domonique Orange (DT) | Pick 82 (R3)
• Caleb Tiernan (OT) | Pick 97 (R3)
• Jakobe Thomas (SAF) | Pick 98 (R3)
• Max Bredeson (FB/TE) | Pick 159 (R5)
• Charles Demmings (CB) | Pick 163 (R5)
• Demond Claiborne (RB) | Pick 198 (R6)
• Gavin Gerhardt (OL) | Pick 235 (R7)

Minnesota also onboarded 19 undrafted free agents after the draft, including a few cornerbacks.

Demmings began playing football in seventh grade. A little late to the party, but it obviously worked out.