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Lunchbreak: ESPN Projects UDFA to Make Vikings 53-Man Roster 

Last weekend, the Vikings added six players via the 2023 NFL Draft and signed 15 undrafted free agents.

ESPN asked analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller a series of questions about the player additions around the league, and one revolved around which UDFA has the best chance to make his respective team's final 53-man roster.

Reid spotlighted Vikings outside linebacker Andre Carter II. Reid wrote:

Lacking depth behind Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport (and with Za'Darius Smith's future with the team in question), the Vikings need pass-rushers. The one area where Carter brings value right away is generating pressure off the edge. He steps into a situation where he's likely a developmental project, but his pass-rush prowess could be used in spots early in his career. He is coming off a down year at Army but had 15.5 sacks in 2021.

Miller also focused on an outside linebacker, as well, but rather Tennessee's Caleb Murphy.

[Titans Head] Coach Mike Vrabel is one of the best developers of UDFA talent in the NFL, and Murphy fits his mold. The 6-foot-3, 254-pound edge rusher had 40 sacks and 60.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons at Ferris State and has a motor that runs red hot.

View photos of the 15 undrafted free agents the Vikings have agreed to terms with following the 2023 NFL Draft.

Reid also used Minnesota when responding to the prompt, "predict one rookie who will win fantasy managers their leagues."

[Bijan] Robinson is the logical choice, but how about [Jordan] Addison? He steps into a clear No. 2 role alongside Justin Jefferson, and the Vikings need someone to replace the targets Adam Thielen received a year ago. We know [Vikings Head Coach] Kevin O'Connell will use his receivers in a variety of formational alignments, and I think Addison is in for a very productive rookie campaign.

Miller did go with Reid's "logical" answer of Robinson, whom the Falcons drafted No. 8 overall.

Robinson should project for more than 1,200 rushing yards, especially because Tyler Allgeier cleared 1,000 last year. And Robinson will add more than the 16 receptions the Falcons lead back had in 2022.

To see the full slate of questions Miller and Reid responded to, click here.

Cris Carter 'drafted by' The Salvation Army

It's been 36 years since Cris Carter was drafted in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft by the Eagles.

But over this past weekend, the Hall of Famer was "drafted" by The Salvation Army. The nonprofit's website wrote the following:

In the spirit of last weekend's NFL player draft, The Salvation Army in the Twin Cities announces we have "drafted" former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and Cris Carter, an NFL Hall of Fall inductee, broadcast analyst and entrepreneur. The Salvation Army chose Carter as our "first selection" because he's passionate about our work — providing food, housing and emergency assistance to struggling families and those in need.

Carter, the 1999 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, explained that The Salvation Army personally benefited his family while he was growing up.

"My mom raised seven kids by herself, and the assistance she received was essential for us," Carter said in a statement. "I want to help make sure people are made aware of the important work done by The Salvation Army."

Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Northern Division commander said it's "truly an honor" for the organization to team up with Carter.

"Without a doubt, this is the best 'draft pick' we've ever made," Jennings said.

Carter will be involved in promoting The Salvation Army's initiatives like the annual Down for The Challenge urban rappelling fundraiser, the annual Back-To-School supply drive, and the Christmas Red Kettle bell-ringing and Rice Park Tree of Lights tree lighting.

Click here to learn more about how you can join Carter in supporting The Salvation Army.

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