Gabe Murphy, the Vikings' undrafted UCLA edge rusher, erupted in Minnesota's Saturday preseason win, delivering two sacks and consistently pressuring Texans passers. After a rookie year largely spent rehabbing a knee, Murphy's offseason grind and a healthy camp are translating into game-ready explosiveness. He sits behind a deep group but is emerging as a potential rotational contributor, a storyline Kevin O’Connell has hovered over since the start of camp.

The Vikings also teased future depth pieces like Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a rookie with first-team reps who can play inside or on the edge, while Minnesota shuffled its line with guard Michael Gonzalez and a IR stint for Matt Nelson. The ensemble backdrop includes notable veterans and young players—Jefferson’s hamstring absences, Metellus’ return, and a wave of practice intensity heading into joint sessions with New England—setting up a high-stakes competition for Week 1 roles and fantasy upside.

Complicating the picture are Grayson Murphy, Gabe’s twin and Dolphins linebacker, Kedon Slovis’s Texans exposure, and a handful of veteran pieces who shape the Vikings’ rush strategy. The overall message: Murphy’s ceiling rises with continued production, Ingram-Dawkins’ versatility adds internal pressure, and the Vikings’ defensive depth could turn preseason momentum into real-season fantasy value.