” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814752.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=786,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814752.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/USATSI_26814752-788×525.jpg” alt >Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Let’s dream a little bit, shall we?
The NFC could be pretty wide open in terms of frontrunners for a Pro Bowl selection this season, and we just witnessed Kevin O’Connell completely revive Sam Darnold’s NFL career in 2024. Now, J.J. McCarthy is taking his rightful spot as starter after being selected with the 10th overall pick last spring.
Assuming the Vikings don’t go into the season with a disastrous wide receiver situation, McCarthy should have a litany of weapons to throw to as well as an improved offensive line protecting him. Of course, growing pains should be expected from a young QB, but he is in a spectacular situation to succeed.
S Josh Metellus
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LB Blake Cashman
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” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/blakemagic.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=620,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/blakemagic.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/blakemagic-788×414.jpg” alt >Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts with the crowd after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Blake Cashman was one of the steals of the 2024 offseason when the Vikings landed him on a three-year contract worth $22.5 million with just $15 million guaranteed. The longtime Texan turned in his best NFL season yet in 2024, recording career highs in tackles (112), passes defended (8), and sacks (4.5).
Now that he no longer has to learn Minnesota’s defense, and there are a litany of pass rushers in front of him at outside linebacker and defensive tackle, perhaps Cashman can focus a little more on being a coverage linebacker, which he has thrived at throughout his career. This could be a very big year for the veteran.
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 lines up on defense during the NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Vikings safety played a key role in Minnesota’s playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Josh-Metellus.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=583,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Josh-Metellus.jpg”><figcaption><span>Joshua Metellus (44) lines up on defense during the NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Vikings safety played a key role in Minnesota’s playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</span></figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings have put together a talented roster in 2025 that has a chance to make some noise when the season gets going.</p>
<p>Despite the talent, there are a few names who are yet to make their first career Pro Bowls. The event, while ultimately not an end-all, be-all in the NFL world, is a great honor for players and speaks to the level of play they’ve performed at throughout the year. </p>
<p>Here is a look at four Vikings players who could be in line for their first Pro Bowl selections this upcoming season.</p>
<h2>LT Christian Darrisaw</h2>
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 against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Josh-Metellus-1.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=624,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Josh-Metellus-1.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Josh-Metellus-1-788×417.jpg” alt=”Safet Josh Metellus during the 2024 postseason with the Vikings.” ><figcaption>Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Joshua Metellus (44) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Josh Metellus spent the first few years of his career as an under-the-radar type of player who did a little bit of everything. Now, he is a mainstay on Minnesota’s defense. Without Camryn Bynum on the team anymore and Harrison Smith entering his age-36 season, Metellus finds himself in a situation where he could be the No. 1 safety on Minnesota’s depth chart, giving him a chance to shine on the defense.</p>
<p>Metellus is a rover who can line up at any part of the field, and he has been known to wreak havoc in coverage, as a run defender, and as a pass rusher. If the Vikings’ defense continues the upward trend its been on since Brian Flores took over as defensive coordinator, Metellus should be one of the first names mentioned with credit for the success.</p>
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