When the Minnesota Vikings signed NaJee Thompson as an undrafted rookie, many didn’t expect him to make the 53-man roster.
Ultimately, Thompson was a limited player. He offered little upside on offense or defense, and his only path to making the roster would be on special teams.
However, after two preseason games, it appeared that Thompson was a lock to make the roster.
During those two games, Thompson dominated as a punt gunner and finished with multiple stops to limit returns. From there, it seemed like a matter of when, not if, Thompson makes the roster.
Ahead of Thompson’s first regular season game, special teams coordinator Mike Daniels, who was partly responsible for discovering Thompson, explained how Thompson came on their radar.
““I actually found [Thompson] his junior year,” Daniels said. “When we were in draft meetings, I was speaking highly on him and he’s not even coming out this year … You kind of just do your research.
“I actually had a cousin of mine, my first cousin, that played at Georgia Southern, and he kind of mentioned him to me … So, from there, I did my research, and he was an All-American special teams player, former receiver turned corner. From there, you just turn on the tape, and he’s just flying around, flashing everywhere.”
Thompson’s special teams film in college was a sight to behold. A track star in high school, Thompson showcased a rare blend of speed and power. His versatility on punt and kickoff teams also helped him capture the interest of NFL teams.
