Inside The Vikings

Vikings Rookie NaJee Thompson Continues to Impress on Special Teams

For the second week in a row, Thompson has made a big play as a punt gunner.
Will Ragatz|
Vikings Rookie NaJee Thompson Continues to Impress on Special Teams
Vikings Rookie NaJee Thompson Continues to Impress on Special Teams

In this story:

Minnesota Vikings

It's looking more and more like undrafted rookie NaJee Thompson is going to make the Vikings' 53-man roster at the end of this month. Not because of his play as a cornerback, but because he's too valuable on special teams to cut.

For the second consecutive week, Thompson has made an awfully impressive play as a punt gunner. He had a tackle that went viral last week against the Seahawks, and he's done it again. In the first quarter of Saturday night's preseason game against the Titans, Ryan Wright boomed a 56-yard punt and Thompson was there right on time to bring down Tennessee's Kyle Phillips. He lost his helmet in the process, but it didn't matter.

Thompson was an incredible special teams player during his career at Georgia State, which is why the Vikings signed him as a UDFA this year. That ability has carried over to the NFL. Thompson has the acceleration, speed, and knowledge of timing and technique to beat double-teams and fly to the ball as a gunner. At this point, it would be surprising if he isn't out there on special teams when the Vikings open the regular season against the Buccaneers in three weeks. He looks like a perfect replacement for Kris Boyd, who left in free agency this year.

Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had high praise for Thompson after last week's game. Head coach Kevin O'Connell even brought up former Patriots teammate Matthew Slater when talking about Thompson, which is quite the compliment. Slater is one of the greatest special teams players ever.

Thompson earned a poor Relative Athletic Score this year that included a 4.6 40-yard dash, but it's clear from watching him play that he's not a 4.6 guy. His nickname is "flash" and his speed clearly shows up in games.

The Vikings might have a legitimate special teams weapon on their hands.

Update: Thompson was taken to the locker room shortly after his big play. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game that Thompson was experiencing some concussion symptoms, so he'll go into the protocol.

Thanks for reading. Make sure to bookmark this site and check back daily for the latest Vikings news and analysis all season long.

Subscribe to the Inside the Vikings newsletter

Follow Will Ragatz on Twitter

Published
Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

Share on XFollow WillRagatz
Home/News