When it comes to draft preparations, this is crunch time for NFL teams. The Minnesota Vikings, for example, have been hosting draft prospects in recent days to study their medicals and gather more in-person intelligence.

Another sign that the draft is close? Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s exceptional draft expert, published his yearly draft guide, “The Beast.” It’s loaded with intel. It’s a perfect guide to some of the sneakier, lesser-known candidates who could be in play in the later rounds.

Starting in the fifth round of the upcoming draft, the Vikings have picks No. 163, 196, 234, 235 and 244. How will they use those selections? Here are some sleepers at seven different positions.

Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

The Vikings know they need more explosiveness at running back. Since coach Kevin O’Connell arrived in 2022, Minnesota has ranked last in the NFL in runs of 20 yards or more.

Claiborne would add some juice to the offense. Brugler described Claiborne as a “low-calorie De’Von Achane.” This is notable. The Vikings’ new assistant head coach, Frank Smith, helped orchestrate the Miami Dolphins’ run game around Achane in recent years. Achane hit 24.12 mph at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2023, according to Next Gen Stats. Claiborne, who clocked 23.71, is the fastest running back since then.

There are some negatives in his profile. Claiborne fumbled five times in 179 carries as a senior. Notably, Brugler also cited this quote from an NFL scout: “He rubbed some coaches and teammates wrong as an underclassman due to inconsistent emotions, especially with hard coaching. But his attitude was noticeably better as an upperclassman.”

Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

Interior defenders who can rush the passer don’t grow on trees. And if a player has a run-stopping skill set with some wiggle, he is likely to be a first-round pick.

If the Vikings don’t take a stab at a more accomplished defensive lineman up top, Benny is worth watching. He has versatility. He has the requisite arm length. He performed well enough at the Senior Bowl for one NFL scout to tell Brugler: “Our D-line coach kept saying he couldn’t wait to watch more of that Wolverine.”

Benny waited for his turn behind former first-rounders Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. He signed with the Wolverines in 2021 and stayed. That level of commitment shouldn’t go overlooked. His inexperience and injury history are causes for concern, but a Day 3 flier feels fair.

Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin

Think about the types of players the Vikings have targeted as undrafted edge rushers. Bo Richter, Gabriel Murphy and Chaz Chambliss all have burst, college production and potential upside. Reiger is no different.

He dominated practices at the East-West Shrine game. His energy flowed to the rest of the Wisconsin roster. He is going to be in play for many NFL teams that are ready to throw darts in the later rounds, especially for teams that clear him medically.

Those medicals are Reiger’s primary hurdles. He underwent surgery on his right knee in December 2023, and some experts suggested he medically retire. A bone infection prevented him from playing in 2024. Later, doctors inserted a metal rod in his shin. The conversation about his durability could determine whether the Vikings take a chance.

Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

Brailsford could become a possibility if the Vikings pass on taking a center on Day 2. Is that likely? No. Is that possible? Anything is possible in the NFL Draft.

Brailsford helped Washington reach the national championship game in 2023, then transferred to Alabama to follow head coach Kalen DeBoer. He missed one game in his final two college seasons. He became a captain. He anchored Alabama’s offensive line as a quick and shifty center, capable of getting out on the move.

Size is the foremost concern. He is listed at 6-foot-1 and 290 pounds, which is smaller and lighter than former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury. Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum has proven that size shouldn’t be an immediate disqualifier, but the Vikings would have to deem Brailsford’s mind and technique transcendent enough to overcome it.

Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

Let’s start here: Murdock holds the FBS record for fumbles forced in a career. He dislodged the ball 17 times in three seasons. This number hints at some special instincts, an ability to decipher angles and see the full picture to an uncommon degree.

Murdock can make up for his lack of speed and explosiveness with timing and efficiency. Still, his sideline-to-sideline range is worth questioning, especially for an off-ball linebacker who is in more of a Blake Cashman type in terms of the role defensive coordinator Brian Flores would have him play.

There are worse ways to use sixth-round picks than on players like Murdock, who combined for 298 tackles in the last two seasons. One of the Vikings’ central pillars is to be all about the ball. He is the embodiment of that philosophy.

Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin

With Jalen Nailor having departed for Las Vegas and Tai Felton remaining a developmental project, the Vikings could draft a wide receiver in the early rounds. Even if they do, you really cannot have enough depth at this position. Why not allow receivers coach Keenan McCardell to go after a late-round option as well?

Anthony never caught 40 passes in a college season. He doesn’t have a massive frame. He isn’t a burner.

So why the interest? Anthony possesses many of the qualities McCardell seeks: route-running savvy, feel in space and ball-tracking potential. He also has punt- and kick-return experience.

Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal

Minnesota’s hit rate on cornerbacks hasn’t been perfect in recent years. The Vikings drafted Mekhi Blackmon, whom they later traded to the Indianapolis Colts. Last fall, they signed Jeff Okudah, who was not able to assume a meaningful role. Still, Flores and company have had some success of late with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. This cycle’s free-agent corner signing, James Pierre, figures to have similar upside.

The Vikings can get away with fewer cornerbacks because of their safety usage, but adding another young player with starting-caliber traits seems wise. Masses fits the prototype. He deflected 18 passes in 2025, the most of any FBS cornerback. He runs well, and he’s been healthy enough to play 49 games in four seasons.

Brugler described Masses as “underpowered and grabby, but his sudden footwork and coverage awareness lead to plays on the football, which in turn gives him starting upside. He has surpassed expectations at every level, and it won’t be surprising if that continues.” That’s a talent worth eyeing with one of the Vikings’ later picks.