Former Stanford tight end (TE) Benjamin Yurosek has stunned many by signing with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) following the 2025 NFL Draft. After a promising career at Stanford and a disappointing final season at Georgia, Yurosek now has a chance to prove himself in the colors of one of the NFL’s most promising teams.
Journey from Stanford to Georgia
Benjamin Yurosek was once one of Stanford’s standout tight ends, making his mark with reliable hands and impressive speed. Over three seasons at Stanford, he showcased his potential to become a top NFL draft pick. With ideal height, long arms, and excellent route-running ability, Yurosek was regarded as a TE capable of making a difference in both the passing game and run-blocking support.
However, his decision to transfer to Georgia for his final season did not yield the expected results. At Georgia, Yurosek failed to replicate the high-level performance he displayed at Stanford, resulting in him going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. This decline in production surprised many analysts, as he had previously been projected as a potential fourth- or fifth-round pick.
Golden Opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings
Despite going undrafted, Yurosek quickly caught the attention of the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him immediately after the draft concluded. This is a significant opportunity for Yurosek to prove that his final season’s struggles were merely a temporary setback. According to sources, the Vikings value his speed (4.64 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and ability to catch at high points, qualities that could help him compete for a roster spot.
Yurosek will face stiff competition to secure the TE3 role in the Vikings’ roster, where he will go up against sixth-round draft pick Gavin Bartholomew and another UDFA, Bryson Nesbit. Analysts suggest that Bartholomew is currently the frontrunner for the position, but Yurosek, with his standout athletic traits, could pull off an upset if he capitalizes on opportunities during training camp and preseason games.
Potential and Challenges Ahead
The Vikings have a strong track record of developing UDFAs, with players like Ivan Pace Jr. making significant impacts in the past. Yurosek, with an impressive athletic score (RAS 8.01) and experience playing in top-tier college football programs, is considered one of the Vikings’ most intriguing UDFAs this year. Analysts, including expert Jonathan Ledyard, view him as a potential “hidden gem” who could shine if placed in the right system.
However, Yurosek’s path forward is far from easy. He needs to improve his blocking skills and demonstrate consistency in live-game situations. Moreover, surpassing Bartholomew and Nesbit to earn a spot on the 53-man roster will require him to outperform his competitors during preseason preparations.
Conclusion
Benjamin Yurosek’s signing with the Minnesota Vikings as a UDFA is a surprising turn of events but also opens the door for him to reclaim his career’s spotlight. With proven talent from his Stanford days and unwavering determination, Yurosek has the potential to turn his NFL dream into reality. Vikings fans and those following his journey are eagerly watching to see if the former Stanford TE can create a miracle in Minneapolis.