Training camp is underway and The Real Forno Show is already deep into one of the best traditions in Vikings fandom. On this episode of the Vikings 1st & SKOL production, Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano break down the Mr. Mankato award—the informal honor for the under-the-radar player who shines brightest in camp and the preseason. Forness walks through the criteria (third-round pick or later, under 100 offensive or defensive snaps), reviews past winners from Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs
to Max Brosmer, and explains why wide receivers and cornerbacks dominate the history of the award.
“The best positions to win this award are positions that can help you stand out, and the best way to stand out is to make big plays,” Forness said. “Who makes big plays? Players who are on the ball, wide receivers, cornerbacks.” He noted that only one trench player (Tashawn Bower in 2017) has ever claimed the honor. Forness then delivered his personal top 10:
Key Points from the Episode:
- The Mr. Mankato criteria: Founded by Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad, the award honors an under-the-radar player who shines in training camp. Eligibility requires being a third-round pick or later with fewer than 100 offensive or defensive snaps (special teams snaps excluded).
- Past winners include: Adam Thielen (2014), Stefon Diggs (2015), K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor, and Max Brosmer (2025) — Brosmer is excluded from this year’s list for the spirit of the award.
- Wide receivers dominate: As Tyler noted, “Your best bet’s gonna be being a wide receiver. It’s straight up.” Pass catchers get the most opportunities to make splash plays, the lifeblood of this award.
- #10 – Jacob Thomas (S, James Madison UDFA): An intelligent, Swiss Army knife safety with real opportunity in a thin safety room.
- #9 – Demond Claiborne (RB): Tyler is openly lower on Claiborne than consensus: “He’s gonna look great in shorts. When the pads come on, that’s where my concerns lie.”
- #8 – Zemaiah Vaughn (CB): The 6’2″ corner is reportedly bigger and stronger in 2026, but Tyler notes he’s already seen a full camp from Vaughn, raising the bar.
- #7 – Charles Demmings (CB, 5th round): A Senior Bowl standout from the FCS level who impressed against Power Four competition and has the hip fluidity to stick in man coverage.
- #6 – Gavin Bartholomew (TE): A mystery man with a clean slate — the 2025 draft pick missed all of last year’s camp, giving him an almost fresh-start advantage.
- #5 – Jakobe Thomas (S, 3rd round): A box safety who profiles as a run-disrupting “point and shoot” player, with second-team snaps lined up and plenty of opportunity to make noise.
- #4 – Tai Felton (WR, 3rd round): The 6’2″, sub-4.4 speedster needs a strong camp. “Felton has a lot to prove right now” — new GM Nolan Teasley has zero prior connection to him.
- #3 – Dontae Fleming (WR): Tyler’s personal favorite: “Every time I was at practice and watching, he shined.” Second-year familiarity with the offense gives Fleming a real edge.
- #2 – Dillon Bell (WR, UDFA): Already generating serious buzz from Vikings beat reporters, Bell’s physicality and “keep-away speed” make him the consensus favorite — but the hype could work against him.
- #1 – Elijah Williams (DL): After 42 dominant preseason snaps in 2025, Williams returns with a fully developed NFL body. “I think he’s going to be a big surprise to a lot of people, but not to me.”
Forness made a point of dismissing personality as a factor. “Mr. Mankato’s all about on the field. It does not matter about the personality… This is about how do you do on the field and how are you standing out?” He also explained why several popular names—Domonique Orange (“Big Citrus”), Max Bredeson, and punter Brett Thorson—did not crack the list, citing limited splash-play potential.
The episode closes with a preview of the Kevin O’Connell and Nolan Teasley training-camp opening press conference on Tuesday, and the early practice schedule (first public session Saturday, first padded practice Monday).
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Now we want to hear from you:
Who’s your early favorite for Mr. Mankato this year?
