VT Question of the Week: Who Will Lead the Vikings in Receiving in 2015?

There has been a lot of talk around receivers for the Vikings, especially since the release of Greg Jennings and signing of Mike Wallace. It seems appropriate, then, for Round 3 of Question of the Week:

Who Will Lead the Vikings in Receiving (Catches, Yards & TDs) this Year?

Brent:  Catches: Charles Johnson | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Kyle Rudolph
I think Johnson will continue to be Teddy’s favorite target, mainly because he’ll thrive in the mid-range routes—where Teddy is awesome. Wallace will rack up a lot of yards via deep passes, but he won’t prove to be a significant red zone target. Rudolph’s size and consistent hands will make him a favorite for touchdowns within striking distance. The TE will be used more heavily than last year—as it has in years past in Norv’s offense.


Carl: 
Catches: Charles Johnson | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Mike Wallace
Johnson’s 15.3 yards per catch on 31 receptions in 2014 was impressive to say the least, but Wallace shouldn’t have any problem racking up yards in Turner’s vertical offense. My guess is the targets will be balanced between multiple players, but yardage will be owned by Wallace especially if Adrian comes with a chip on his shoulder.


Darren: 
Catches: Charles Johnson | Yards: Charles Johnson | TDs: Mike Wallace

Norv Turner has said that Johnson is the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver in the past, and he probably truly believes that. The offense is likely to be centered around what Turner and the Vikings expect from Johnson in 2015, which is to be the work horse of the passing game. He was that for a few games down the stretch in 2015. Being the focal point should give him a big edge in receptions and yardage.Wallace may be more of a niche receiver, though he will get his fair share of targets and catches. As a deep specialist, he should have a leg up on catching touchdowns. Even in a down 2014 season in Miami, he still caught 10 touchdowns. Double digit scores is not out of the question for him, especially if Teddy Bridgewater sustains his improved deep accuracy into 2015.


Austin: 
Catches: Jarius Wright | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Charles Johnson

After the departure of Greg Jennings, expect Wright to step into the veteran wide receiver’s former role, working primarily out of the slot. Jennings led the Vikings with 59 receptions in 2014, and Wright wasn’t far behind with 42. An increase in snaps will lead to more production from Wright, who may become Teddy Bridgewater’s new favorite target.New addition Mike Wallace is known as a burner, and most of his success will come in Norv Turner’s deep-passing game. I’m not full prepared to say that Mike Wallace will replicate his 2010 statistical explosion with the Steelers, but he fits what the Vikings like to do — attack the intermediate and deep zones and challenge man coverage.

Wallace’s presence on the outside potentially opens up the field underneath deep coverage, giving Johnson more opportunities to shine in the passing game. He’ll need to improve catching the ball in traffic and high-pointing the ball in 50/50 situations, but he developed a chemistry with Bridgewater in 2014 that I expect to carry over into next season.


Brett: 
Catches: Jarius Wright | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Kyle Rudolph
With the departure of Greg Jennings, expect Wright to have an increased role as the slot wide receiver. He’s been one of the Vikings’ most reliable receivers since joining the team and has increased his production every season. In a contract year, I expect Wright to come into his own and be a more significant contributor.The expectation for Wallace’s role within the Vikings’ offensive scheme is to be the guy that can stretch the field with his blazing speed. Wallace should lead the Vikings receivers in yards simply because his yard-per-reception average should be greater than that of his peers.

This might be cheating a little since he’s not technically a receiver, but Rudolph will lead the Vikings in reception touchdowns this year. Call it a hunch, but I believe this will be the season Rudolph stays healthy and really proves his worth as a top-tier tight end in the NFL. Rudolph’s dependability in the end zone will make him a go-to option for Bridgewater when within range.

 

Andy: Catches: Charles Johnson | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Kyle Rudolph
I think a full offseason of CJ and Teddy together (currently out in Cali with a bunch of other skill position Vikings) will lead to a beautiful relationship in year two. Wallace for yardage if he can keep his head out of his you-know-what and reignite that deep threat want to like back in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh where he averaged 19+ yards per reception. And a full season of Rudolph healthy will be a deadly redzone threat for Teddy in Norv’s offense. Plus, we’ve seen how much Teddy loved Allen Reisner. Kyle is slightly better than the Pride of Iowa.


Arif: 
Catches: Jarius Wright | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Kyle Rudolph

Adam: Catches: Charles Johnson | Yards: Mike Wallace | TDs: Mike Wallaces
I think the acquisition of Wallace means he will be our premier wide out and will be in position to rack up the most yardage. With that said, however, I think the chemistry between Teddy Bridgewater and Charles Johnson should not be ignored and predict Johnson will be targeted very often and has the potential to lead the team in catches. I’ll also go with Wallace on touchdowns, but I could see Rudolph snagging that honor if he is healthy all season long.

 

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