NFL teams will be forced to trim their rosters from 90 down to 53 players on Tuesday, and most undrafted rookies will unfortunately face the chopping block. One former Badger, though, who went undrafted, has played well during the preseason, and has made a solid case to make the cut.
Vikings guard Joe Huber, who played more snaps than any other player on the roster this preseason, will make the Minnesota think twice about cutting him on Tuesday's deadline. The former Badger, who came into the year with very little hype, has enjoyed a solid month of August. His 74.1 Pro Football Focus (PPF) grade, ranks third among all rookie guards.
Can Joe Huber make the Vikings 53-man roster as a UDFA?
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While Huber has enjoyed some success in the preseason, ultimatley his chance at a roster spot will come down to a numbers game. The Vikings are relatively deep along the offensive line, and how many they end up keeping will determine if Huber makes the squad, or ends up being a practice squad candidate. While Huber has experience at both tackle and guard, the Vikings really need the most depth at center.
Vikings fans are hoping he makes the roster because they are stressed he won't make it through the cuts onto the practice squad without another team swooping in to grab the former Badger.
At this point, it's likely a 50/50 chance Huber makes the team. Still, he's shown a lot of promise, and if the Vikings pass, there will be plenty of other teams who could utilize his talents. While former teammates and fellow rookies Jack Nelson and Hunter Wohler have less ideal situations for differing reasons, Huber could end up being the Badger who makes the biggest impact in the NFL in year one.