The NFL’s roster cutdown day is often the most anxiety inducing for bubble players, and there are none on the bubble like undrafted rookies with no experience or front-office resources behind them.
That’s why Vikings coaches and players made such a big deal about two rookie defenders — cornerback Dwight McGlothern and defensive tackle Taki Taimani — making the team’s initial 53-man roster last week. While General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell spent their day meeting with each player released, those who made the team found out by not getting the call into the offices upstairs at TCO Performance Center.
In team meeting rooms, players celebrated the longest of longshot stories like McGlothern, a former Arkansas standout who was guaranteed just $30,000 and one training camp to prove himself after the NFL Draft.
“We kind of seen who was around and all the vets was telling me, ‘Congrats, be proud,’” McGlothern said this week. “You really don’t realize the moment until later in life, but I was just thankful I was still here.”
McGlothern made a strong impression this summer with interception after interception, including a pick six during joint practices with the Browns, carrying over a ball-hawking reputation he established in the SEC. He had seven interceptions in 22 games over the last two seasons for the Razorbacks.
McGlothern goes by the nickname “Nudie,” which defensive coordinator Brian Flores called him while singing the rookie’s praises. McGlothern said an uncle gave him the nickname because he’d take his diaper off as a toddler while running around with a football.
“I belong here, I know that deep down,” McGlothern said. “I had already told my family and them that I had it on my mind to make [the roster] a long time ago.”
The Vikings need a better supporting cast at cornerback, where veterans Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin will start. McGlothern will have a role in games as a special teamer, coordinator Matt Daniels said.