Undrafted free agent list

[J. Kapp 11]

East Carolina WR Blake Proehl

That kid could make the team. Ricky was a good player for a long time.

The Vikings obviously think he can make the team. They're guaranteeing $100,000 of his salary and have paid him a $15,000 bonus.

Here's Dane Brugler's scouting report from "The Beast," a comprehensive guide to virtually every NFL prospect in college football.

Blake Proehl was a three-year starter at Providence High School, setting personal-bests as a senior with 52 catches for 1,016 yards and 12 touchdowns. A two-star recruit, he was the No. 397-ranked receiver in the 2017 class and committed to East Carolina (over Virginia Tech), but missed the 2017 season due to an ACL tear. Proehl returned in 2018 and was a three-year starter, leading the team in receiving yards in 2020. His father (Ricky) was a third-round pick (No. 58 overall) in the 1990 NFL Draft and played 17 years in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls. Proehl is a detailed, crisp route-runner, but has a tough time shaking man-coverage and wasn’t much of a threat after the catch. While he displays natural tracking ability and hand-eye coordination, he doesn’t have the size to win in contested situations. Overall, Proehl doesn’t consistently play up to his testing numbers, but he gravitates towards space to get open and uses quick, accepting hands to snare the ball.

He's just shy of 6-2, 190 pounds. Runs 4.46 in the 40, although his dad claims high 4.3s. Vertical is 36 inches.

Brugler had him rated as a priority free agent.

I wonder how Adam Thielen's "Beast" report read because this sounds eerily familiar.

[S197]

Proehl's measurables compare to Dillon Mitchell. If anyone remembers him.

[CharVike]

Proehl's measurables compare to Dillon Mitchell. If anyone remembers him.

I remember him. Legend in his own mind. One of Rick's 7th round gems. Practice squad one year and now no longer part of our organization.

[S197]

Just to be clear, I'm not saying they're the same receiver but it's clear the Vikings have a "type" that they're interested in and he fits the mold.

[CharVike]

Just to be clear, I'm not saying they're the same receiver but it's clear the Vikings have a "type" that they're interested in and he fits the mold.

I know. See what he does. More than likely the practice squad for a year and then?????

[Pep2Moss]

they gave Blake 115,000 to sign.....I would think he's a lock to make the team?

[CharVike]

they gave Blake 115,000 to sign.....I would think he's a lock to make the team?

That's possible also. I guess Chad Beebe will be his main competition. Almost identical WRs and both have a father that played in the NFL. Speilman same thing over and over again. If he can catch and hold on to the ball which Beebe can't then maybe he has a chance. Hopefully it works out. Found this write up on him. Will need to make special teams first.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He was a productive safety blanket for Pirates’ quarterback Holton Ahlers, hauling in 130 catches in his career for 1576 yards and nine touchdowns. Proehl operated primarily on the outside for the Pirates and excelled in working physically along the sidelines. He has incredibly reliable hands and uses them well to create separation and win in press coverage. The ability to return punts is also a major strength for him as he found sustained success back deep on fourth downs. Proehl may need to kick inside at the next level and play the slot because he lacks the size, agility, and speed to win consistently on an island. He doesn’t do any one thing particularly well which infers that he may struggle to find a role early on in his career. However, the bloodlines are on his side as his father Ricky Proehl played 17 years in the league and won two Super Bowls. Proehl will need to find a niche on special teams and round out his game before he can be relied on to contribute to an NFL offense.

[RandyMoss84]

they gave Blake 115,000 to sign.....I would think he's a lock to make the team?

Vikings gave Dillion Mitchell $136,000 so no, Blake is not a lock to make the team

[S197]

Just to be clear, I'm not saying they're the same receiver but it's clear the Vikings have a "type" that they're interested in and he fits the mold.

I know. See what he does. More than likely the practice squad for a year and then?????

That’s usually the path although he doesn’t really have a lot of guys to beat to make the squad. Vikings will keep at least 5 WRs, maybe 6. And only 2 are locks with Smith-Marsette likely to also be a lock. Bisi probably has the #4 and Beebe has the #5 positions right now but that can easily change. The other consideration is if he can play special teams, especially as a gunner. Or if the RB from Iowa St can be a gunner, which was the nice thing about Patterson. Then you save a roster spot on a guy like Chisnea.

[soflavike]

I know. See what he does. More than likely the practice squad for a year and then?????

That’s usually the path although he doesn’t really have a lot of guys to beat to make the squad. Vikings will keep at least 5 WRs, maybe 6. And only 2 are locks with Smith-Marsette likely to also be a lock. Bisi probably has the #4 and Beebe has the #5 positions right now but that can easily change. The other consideration is if he can play special teams, especially as a gunner. Or if the RB from Iowa St can be a gunner, which was the nice thing about Patterson. Then you save a roster spot on a guy like Chisnea.

Is it just me? I find Bisi Johnson completely unremarkable and expendable.

[VikingsVictorious]

That’s usually the path although he doesn’t really have a lot of guys to beat to make the squad. Vikings will keep at least 5 WRs, maybe 6. And only 2 are locks with Smith-Marsette likely to also be a lock. Bisi probably has the #4 and Beebe has the #5 positions right now but that can easily change. The other consideration is if he can play special teams, especially as a gunner. Or if the RB from Iowa St can be a gunner, which was the nice thing about Patterson. Then you save a roster spot on a guy like Chisnea.

Is it just me? I find Bisi Johnson completely unremarkable and expendable.

I never saw the attraction with Bisi. I personally thought Dillon Mitchell was a much better, more explosive ball player. It surprised me a lot that he didn't make it. I also see no attraction of Chad Beebe or any other WR we have besides Thielen and Jefferson and I would be just fine if we got rid of all of them and start over. Rumor has it we are looking into Dede Westbrook and if he's available I would give him a shot.

[S197]

That’s usually the path although he doesn’t really have a lot of guys to beat to make the squad. Vikings will keep at least 5 WRs, maybe 6. And only 2 are locks with Smith-Marsette likely to also be a lock. Bisi probably has the #4 and Beebe has the #5 positions right now but that can easily change. The other consideration is if he can play special teams, especially as a gunner. Or if the RB from Iowa St can be a gunner, which was the nice thing about Patterson. Then you save a roster spot on a guy like Chisnea.

Is it just me? I find Bisi Johnson completely unremarkable and expendable.

I think Beebe is more expendable. He's often injured and has questionable hands (muffed punts, etc). He had one nice game winning catch but that catch was only necessary because he fumbled on the prior possession. Other than that, he's a guy that might get you a 1st down catch once every few games.

But Bisi is right behind him. Ideally they can find upgrades for both.

[RandyMoss84]

Is it just me? I find Bisi Johnson completely unremarkable and expendable.

I never saw the attraction with Bisi. I personally thought Dillon Mitchell was a much better, more explosive ball player. It surprised me a lot that he didn't make it. I also see no attraction of Chad Beebe or any other WR we have besides Thielen and Jefferson and I would be just fine if we got rid of all of them and start over. Rumor has it we are looking into Dede Westbrook and if he's available I would give him a shot.

I would love DeDe Westbrook! Boomer Sooner!

[CharVike]

Is it just me? I find Bisi Johnson completely unremarkable and expendable.

I never saw the attraction with Bisi. I personally thought Dillon Mitchell was a much better, more explosive ball player. It surprised me a lot that he didn't make it. I also see no attraction of Chad Beebe or any other WR we have besides Thielen and Jefferson and I would be just fine if we got rid of all of them and start over. Rumor has it we are looking into Dede Westbrook and if he's available I would give him a shot.

He was a 7th round pick. I know players can come from the entire board but the talent starts to thin out as you go along. I give the kid credit he made the squad and caught some passes and played special teams. Below is a little piece.
The 6th player drafted from CSU by the Vikings and only WR. Appeared in all 16 games with 6 starts, finishing with 31 receptions for 294 yards and 3 TDs. Made his NFL debut vs. Atlanta (9/8), appearing on offense and special teams.
You need players like him on your team. I think Speilman collects these 7th rounders because the pick is made and then a cheap signing. It's easier than the UDFA route. But the chance of finding a player is about as close to zero as you can get. Speilman has made 25 7th round picks. 25 is a complete joke and waste of effort. Mitchell probably couldn't help on special teams. Below is the list of 7th rounders. Maybe N Stanley can be an emergency QB this year. If not bye bye.
7th Round
2020 — Kenny Willekes (DE) 225
2020 — Nate Stanley (QB) 244
2020 — Brian Cole II (S) 249
2020 — Kyle Hinton (G) 253
2019 — Kris Boyd (CB) 217
2019 — Dillon Mitchell (WR) 239
2019 — Olabisi Johnson (WR) 247
2019 — Austin Cutting (LS) 250
2018 — Devante Downs (LB) 225
2017 — Stacy Coley (WR) 219
2017 — Ifeadi Odenigbo (DL) 220
2017 — Elijah Lee (LB) 232
2017 — Jack Tocho (CB) 245
2016 — Stephen Weatherly (DE) 227
2016 — Jayron Kearse (S) 244
2015 — Austin Shepherd (T) 228
2015 — Edmond Robinson (OLB) 232
2014 — Shamar Stephen (DT) 220
2014 — Brandon Watts (LB) 223
2014 — Jabari Price (DB) 225
2013 — Michael Mauti (LB) 213
2013 — Travis Bond (G) 214
2013 — Everett Dawkins (DT) 229
2012 — Audie Cole (LB) 210
2012 — Trevor Guyton (DE) 219

[CharVike]

I never saw the attraction with Bisi. I personally thought Dillon Mitchell was a much better, more explosive ball player. It surprised me a lot that he didn't make it. I also see no attraction of Chad Beebe or any other WR we have besides Thielen and Jefferson and I would be just fine if we got rid of all of them and start over. Rumor has it we are looking into Dede Westbrook and if he's available I would give him a shot.

He was a 7th round pick. I know players can come from the entire board but the talent starts to thin out as you go along. I give the kid credit he made the squad and caught some passes and played special teams. Below is a little piece.
The 6th player drafted from CSU by the Vikings and only WR. Appeared in all 16 games with 6 starts, finishing with 31 receptions for 294 yards and 3 TDs. Made his NFL debut vs. Atlanta (9/8), appearing on offense and special teams.
You need players like him on your team. I think Speilman collects these 7th rounders because the pick is made and then a cheap signing. It's easier than the UDFA route. But the chance of finding a player is about as close to zero as you can get. Speilman has made 25 7th round picks. 25 is a complete joke and waste of effort. Mitchell probably couldn't help on special teams. Below is the list of 7th rounders. Maybe N Stanley can be an emergency QB this year. If not bye bye.
7th Round
2020 — Kenny Willekes (DE) 225
2020 — Nate Stanley (QB) 244
2020 — Brian Cole II (S) 249
2020 — Kyle Hinton (G) 253
2019 — Kris Boyd (CB) 217
2019 — Dillon Mitchell (WR) 239
2019 — Olabisi Johnson (WR) 247
2019 — Austin Cutting (LS) 250
2018 — Devante Downs (LB) 225
2017 — Stacy Coley (WR) 219
2017 — Ifeadi Odenigbo (DL) 220
2017 — Elijah Lee (LB) 232
2017 — Jack Tocho (CB) 245
2016 — Stephen Weatherly (DE) 227
2016 — Jayron Kearse (S) 244
2015 — Austin Shepherd (T) 228
2015 — Edmond Robinson (OLB) 232
2014 — Shamar Stephen (DT) 220
2014 — Brandon Watts (LB) 223
2014 — Jabari Price (DB) 225
2013 — Michael Mauti (LB) 213
2013 — Travis Bond (G) 214
2013 — Everett Dawkins (DT) 229
2012 — Audie Cole (LB) 210
2012 — Trevor Guyton (DE) 219

We don't focus on WR because of Kub's O scheme/style. We all heard of the ground chuck running game ours is the Kub steak ground game.