Max Brosmer Makes Strong First Impression at Vikings Rookie Minicamp
Instead of simply offering online support to a former local college player, the Minnesota Vikings took it a step further by inviting former Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer to their rookie minicamp, allowing him to take his first official NFL snaps just months after finishing his college career.
On Friday, 45 rookies—including the Vikings’ five 2025 draft picks, 20 undrafted free agents (UDFAs), and 20 tryout players—gathered at the TCO Performance Center for a 90-minute practice session. They were joined by six players already on the roster. Among them was Brosmer, who began his college career at New Hampshire before transferring to Minnesota.
Brosmer Impresses Coaches Early
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell had high praise for Brosmer, noting his mechanical efficiency and high football IQ.
“He’s a pretty efficient thrower,” O’Connell said. “He generates strong spin and velocity on his passes with limited movement in the pocket. His football intelligence is clear—he’s already correcting others during walk-throughs after just a few hours of meetings.”
O’Connell had the chance to evaluate Brosmer in person during both the 2024 and 2025 Minnesota Pro Days, thanks to a recent rule change allowing underclassmen to participate. Brosmer’s performance stuck with him.
“I got to see him throw last year, and he caught my eye,” O’Connell said. “Seeing the same guy two years in a row gave me confidence in his development as a passer.”
CAA Reunion with Montigo Moss
During the session, Brosmer completed several passes, including one to Montigo Moss, a rookie minicamp invitee and son of NFL legend Randy Moss. Brosmer and Moss were rivals in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), where Moss played for Maine.
“I had to jab him a bit when I saw him,” Brosmer joked. “We were 3-0 against Maine. He knew who I was right away.”
Moss’s presence held added significance for O’Connell, who briefly played with Randy Moss in New England. He expressed excitement about seeing Montigo wear the Vikings helmet and learning under wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell.
Takeaways from Coach O’Connell’s Press Conference
1. Rookie Minicamp Is a Real Opportunity
O’Connell emphasized that while some players come in as shots, rookie minicamp is a legitimate chance to earn a spot. He pointed to success stories like Ivan Pace Jr., Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, and even C.J. Ham, who made the roster after entering as a tryout player and is now a team captain.
To drive that message home, O’Connell showed a clip of Pace making an interception at rookie minicamp, later referencing a similar play that helped seal a win for the Vikings in Las Vegas.
“It’s a special weekend,” O’Connell said. “And I want these guys to know it matters to us.”
2. No Full-Team Drills for Linemen, but Still Valuable
First-round pick Donovan Jackson, along with other linemen, didn’t participate in full-team reps. O’Connell explained this was intentional to avoid unnecessary injuries. Instead, the focus is on preparing them to participate fully when OTAs and minicamp begin.
“It’s about learning fundamentals so they’re ready to go on Monday,” he said, adding that the linemen’s work is overseen by position coaches Chris Kuper and Keith Carter.
The Vikings will remain in Phase 2 of offseason workouts for two more weeks before starting Phase 3 and OTAs on May 27.
3. Tight End Competition Heating Up
With only two tight ends on the roster before the draft—T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver—the Vikings added three more in Gavin Bartholomew, Bryson Nesbit, and Ben Yurosek.
Bartholomew, a sixth-round pick from Pittsburgh, has already made a positive impression. O’Connell praised the early returns, saying the rookie looks exactly how coaches hoped based on film and Pro Day evaluations.
“All three are in the mix,” O’Connell said. “We’re looking for a third tight end from that group, and we hope the others push hard enough to make decisions difficult.”
What’s Next?
With standout debuts from Brosmer and others, rookie minicamp is proving to be more than just a formality — it’s a legitimate proving ground. The Vikings are building with a combination of top picks, overlooked talent, and legacy connections, all under a coaching staff committed to development and opportunity.
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