Chuck Demmings Is Stealing the Show: What It Means for His Vikings Outlook

The rookie CB could be an important defensive contributor sooner rather than later.

How high is Chuck Demmings's ceiling as he heads into his first season with the Vikings? | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Vikings' cornerback depth chart seems concerning.

While returning starters Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers are solid players, there is a lack of depth behind them. Former Steelers defensive back James Pierre was signed this offseason, and Dwight McGlothern flashed potential, but there was a desperate need for another cornerback to step up and prove they can be a contributor this season.

That's why Chuck Demmings's standout performance at training camp shouldn't be ignored.

The Vikings surprised a lot of people when they selected the Stephen F. Austin defensive back in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The small-school cornerback wasn't a player on the radar of many fans, but he should have been, as Demmings continues to make waves early in training camp.

Chuck Demmings's rise could be hard to ignore

So far, Demmings has been the star of the Vikings' training camp. The 6-foot-1, 193-pound defensive back has looked like a player who should have been selected several rounds earlier during the draft.

Reports of him matching up well against Vikings' star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and having a strong motor to finish plays have earned him a massive amount of praise for a rookie who earned a 74 production score and an 81 athletic score from Next Gen Stats on NFL.com.

Demmings's ascension in training camp should only continue to cement him as one of the cornerbacks who will make the 53-man roster for the Purple and Gold this year. Not only that, but he is well on his way to earning a considerable amount of playing time in defensive coordinator Brian Flores's unit.

Vikings DC Brian Flores could be the key to unlocking Chuck Demmings's potential in the 23-year-old's rookie season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Assuming Demmings can keep his momentum going through the remainder of practices and the preseason (which begins Saturday vs. the Giants), he will likely be in line to be the top backup for Pierre and Rodgers, perhaps even gaining a rotational or situational role from Flores.

Although he is only 23 years old and didn't play against elite competition at the college level, Demmings is the kind of player who would have no fear going up against some of the best receivers the NFL has to offer. He could showcase that if he sees some of Giants WR1 Malik Nabers this weekend.

Not only does he have great size and strength for his position, but his wingspan measured nearly 6-foot-6 at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds. Those traits will help him go one-on-one with any opposing pass-catcher and do so effectively.

The path is clear for Demmings to continue impressing the Vikings. At this point, it wouldn't be shocking if he started a few games this season if the coaching staff calls his number. With his talent and the skills he has showcased so far, it isn't far-fetched to think that he could be a player to watch climb the ranks into a permanent starting role in the future.

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