Vikings fans have long enjoyed top-end wide receiver talent on their team. Chris Carter was a star for the Vikings in the 90’s scoring 55 touchdowns in a 5-year span. Next came Randy Moss with the 21st pick in the 1998 draft. After that, the Vikings stole Stefon Diggs with a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft. The Vikings would of course trade away their star receiver in Diggs, but would receive a pick back that would become the newest Vikings superstar in Justin Jefferson.
This season Justin Jefferson is clearly going to be the top target again for the Vikings. However, the departure of veteran Adam Thielen leaves a sizeable hole in the receiving core. Who will step up for the Vikings this year into the number two wide receiver spot?
Jordan Addison, the Viking’s first-round pick this year, is the current favorite to win the role alongside Justin Jefferson. Addison proved in college that he is an excellent route runner with even better hands. Measuring in at just 6 feet tall with great change of direction ability, Addison is almost likely to see a good portion of his snaps from the slot this season. The Vikings have been slow to feature their rookie talent in the past, but if Addison is as good as Vikings fans hope, we should see him featured heavily by week 3.
K.J. Osborn is Addison’s main competition to win the number two role this season. Osborn has spent three seasons with the Vikings and has made plays when given the opportunity. Reports out of mini-camp were also positive for Osborn as he looked to be Cousin’s favorite target. However, draft capital is not something general managers or coaches easily forget, so it will be an uphill battle for the former fifth-round pick to pass Addison on the depth chart.
With Jefferson at the top of the depth chart followed by either Addison or Osborn, where do the other Vikings wideouts land? It’s really too early to tell. Former Michigan State Spartan Jalen Nailor, new acquisition Brandon Powell, and former first-rounder Jaelen Reagor will all be battling during training camp this year to earn playtime and a roster spot. However, with Reagor disappointing fans last season it’s likely he will only be featured on special teams if at all.
In my opinion, Jalen Nailor has the best chance of solidifying himself as the number four wide receiver for the Vikings this year. Nailor was a big playmaker for the Spartans in college and has the potential to do the same for the Vikings this year. With a little more time to learn the system and build chemistry with Kirk Cousins, I am hopeful he can take the next step and provide valuable depth to the Vikings at wide receiver.
Photo: Photos from Week 9 of the NFL Season featuring the Washington Commanders vs the Minnesota Vikings from FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland, November 6, 2022. (All-Pro Reels / Joe Glorioso)