On April 27, 2025, immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings sent shockwaves through the American football community by announcing the signing of Chaz Chambliss, an outside linebacker from the Georgia Bulldogs, as an undrafted free agent (UDFA). Chambliss, who co-led Georgia with 6.5 sacks in the 2024 season, was one of the standout defensive players in the SEC but surprisingly went unselected in all seven rounds of the draft. This move is not only a surprise but also a high-potential gamble by the Vikings, as they place their faith in a player who was overlooked but possesses rare football intelligence and relentless grit.
Why Is This Signing “Shocking”?
1. Chambliss Snubbed from NFL Combine
One of the key factors making the Vikings’ signing of Chambliss so shocking is that he was not invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, a critical event for prospects to showcase their skills to NFL scouts. With 6.5 sacks, 41 tackles (9.5 for loss), and an All-SEC third-team honor in 2024, Chambliss clearly had an impressive resume at a prestigious program like Georgia. His exclusion from the Combine, alongside teammate Dan Jackson, sparked significant controversy among Bulldogs fans and analysts. Many speculate that Chambliss’ size (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) or a hamstring injury at the 2025 Shrine Bowl may have led NFL teams to undervalue him. However, the Vikings’ decision suggests they saw something special in this player that others missed.
Sources: Georgia LB Chaz Chambliss is signing with the #Vikings.
Chambliss led Kirby Smart’s defense with 6.5 sacks last season. pic.twitter.com/glj8Xl5BXj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2025
2. Stats Outshining First-Round Picks
Chambliss co-led Georgia in sacks (6.5) alongside Jalon Walker, who was selected in the first round (15th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft. He even outperformed Mykel Williams (11th overall, 49ers) in sacks during the 2024 season. The fact that a player with stats comparable to or better than first-round talents went undrafted is a major surprise. Posts on X highlighted this shock, with @42Cyc noting that Chambliss had an “80.9 PFF grade” and “more sacks than both of Georgia’s first-round picks.” The Vikings, with only five picks in the 2025 draft, seized the opportunity to acquire a potential steal without expending draft capital.
3. Vikings’ Strategy of Unearthing Hidden Gems
The Vikings signed 19 UDFAs after the 2025 draft, including Chambliss and another former Georgia player, tight end Benjamin Yurosek. This move reflects GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Brian Flores’ strategy of targeting undervalued talents to bolster roster depth. Chambliss, with his run-defense prowess and pre-snap intelligence, aligns with Flores’ dynamic defensive scheme. Signing a player who was a sack leader for Georgia, the SEC’s top program in terms of draft picks, is a bold and ambitious move.
Chaz Chambliss’ Potential in the Vikings’ Roster
1. Football IQ: The Ultimate Weapon
Chambliss is described as having one of the sharpest football minds, with an uncanny ability to “sniff out plays” before the ball is snapped. Game tape from Georgia shows him consistently anticipating the opposing offense’s intentions, positioning himself perfectly at the right moment. While he may lack elite speed or ideal size, Chambliss compensates with meticulous preparation and play-reading ability. In Brian Flores’ 3-4 defensive system, where outside linebackers need versatility in pass rushing and coverage, Chambliss’ intelligence could be a significant asset. He could compete with linebackers like Ivan Pace Jr. or other UDFAs for a spot on the 53-man roster.
2. Strength and Relentlessness
At Georgia’s Pro Day, Chambliss impressed with 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a figure that would have ranked second at the 2025 NFL Combine had he been invited. He also recorded a 32-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump, showcasing short-area explosiveness and power. These traits, combined with his experience in 54 games (25 starts) at Georgia, make him an ideal candidate for a rotational linebacker or special teams role. His ability to “hold his ground” in run defense also aligns with the Vikings’ need to improve their run-stopping unit after the 2024 season.
3. Fighting Spirit and MMA Potential
A unique aspect of Chambliss is his three years of training in mixed martial arts (MMA) to enhance his hand-fighting skills and agility. Posts on X even dubbed him a “future MMA star,” and Chambliss has expressed interest in pursuing UFC if his football career doesn’t pan out. This fighting spirit, likened to a “teammate for a fight in a dark alley,” could help him stand out in the Vikings’ training camp, where competition is fierce. His MMA background also highlights a physical foundation and toughness that can hold up against NFL linemen.
Long-Term Impact for Chambliss and the Vikings
1. An Opportunity for Chambliss
Going undrafted was a shock for Chambliss, but signing with the Vikings offers a chance to prove his worth. With success stories of UDFAs like Adam Thielen (Vikings) and Kurt Warner, Chambliss can dream of a zero-to-hero journey. The 2025 training camp and preseason will be his stage to compete, particularly in special teams or as a backup to linebackers like Jonathan Greenard or Andrew Van Ginkel. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, Chambliss could become a draft steal, much like Ivan Pace Jr. (UDFA 2023) did for the Vikings.
2. Vikings’ Roster-Building Strategy
The Chambliss signing is part of the Vikings’ strategy to build roster depth on a budget. With only five draft picks in 2025, the team turned to UDFAs to uncover talent. Signing two Georgia players (Chambliss and Yurosek) signals the Vikings’ high regard for Kirby Smart’s program, known for producing disciplined, battle-ready athletes. If Chambliss or other UDFAs succeed, it would be a major win for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, reinforcing his reputation for finding hidden gems.
3. Impact on Georgia Bulldogs
Chambliss’ potential success in the NFL would further solidify Georgia’s status as a premier talent factory. With 14 players invited to the Combine and multiple draft picks (Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Malaki Starks), Georgia led the SEC in NFL talent output. Chambliss, alongside other UDFAs like Yurosek, Nazir Stackhouse, and Xavier Truss, could inspire future Bulldogs, proving that going undrafted is not the end of the road.
Future Predictions
Chambliss faces a challenging but promising journey. In the best-case scenario, he could earn a roster spot with the Vikings through strong performances in special teams and run defense, eventually developing into a rotational linebacker. In the worst case, he might pivot to leagues like the CFL or XFL, or even pursue MMA as a new path. Regardless of the outcome, Chambliss’ work ethic and preparation will be key.
For the Vikings, this signing is a reminder that the NFL isn’t just about first-round picks. Players like Chambliss, with grit and intelligence, can make a significant impact if given a chance. If Chambliss shines, the Vikings will have not only unearthed a gem but also sent a message that they’re willing to bet on overlooked talent.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ signing of Chaz Chambliss is a shocking yet calculated move. With impressive stats, football intelligence, and a fighting spirit, Chambliss has everything needed to prove that the NFL Combine and draft aren’t the ultimate measures of talent. For the Vikings, this is an opportunity to build their roster cost-effectively, while Chambliss gets a stage to write his own story. The 2025 NFL Draft may have overlooked Chambliss, but the Minnesota Vikings didn’t – and that could be the start of an exciting new chapter.