Vikings Training Camp: Top 10 Mr. Mankato Candidates (2026) — Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano preview Vikings training camp by explaining the Mr. Mankato concept—an under-the-radar player (typically drafted in round three or later and under 100 offensive/defensive snaps) who shines in camp—and noting wide receivers and defensive backs tend to win because big plays stand out. Forness presents his top 10 candidates:

10. UDFA safety Jacob Thomas

9. RB Demond Claiborne

8. CB Zemaiah Vaughn

7. CB Charles Demmings

6. TE Gavin Bartholomew

5. S Jakobe Thomas

4. WR Tai Felton

3. WR Dontae Fleming

2. WR Dillon Bell

1. DL Elijah Williams

They debate whether personality should matter (Forness says no), discuss omissions like Domonique Orange (“Big Citrus”), Max Bredeson, and even punter Brett Thorson, and preview upcoming live coverage of Kevin O’Connell and Nolan Teasley’s presser plus the early camp schedule.

Timestamps:

00:00 Camp Time Kickoff

01:11 Mr. Mankato Origins & Rules

02:54 Past Winners & Patterns

04:11 How To Stand Out

07:06 Presser Plans And List Start

08:31 No. 10 Jacob Thomas

10:39 No. 9 Demond Claiborne

12:27 No. 8 Zemaiah Vaughn

14:33 No. 7 Charles Demmings

16:32 No. 6 Gavin Bartholomew

18:54 Personality Debate

20:04 No. 5 Jakobe Thomas

23:06 Tai Felton Under Pressure

27:11 Why Receivers Win

28:23 Dontae Fleming Sleeper

30:15 Dillon Bell Hype Train

34:14 Elijah Williams Top Pick

36:28 Snubs and Criteria Debate

40:20 Past Winners and Surprises

43:12 Camp Dates and Signoff

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