Vikings Can Find Draft Steal at WR — in Middle Rounds

George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports

Even with one of the NFL’s best receiving corps, Minnesota should never shy away from BPA (best player available).

Cornerback and offensive line are Minnesota’s number one priorities. But many fans could not imagine if the Vikings never drafted Randy Moss in 1998 when they already had Cris Carter and Jake Reed. Another example would be in 2006, Chester Taylor ran for 1,216 yards and could have potentially been the running back for the future — until Minnesota selected Adrian Peterson the following year.

The point is: this receiver class is stacked throughout at least the first four rounds of the draft. Wide receiver is nowhere near the top of Minnesota’s position priorities. Let’s say the Vikings fill up the cornerback and O-Line gaps by the third round. Wan’Dale Robinson is one receiver who may drop down to the third round that Minnesota should heavily look into. 

Wan’Dale Robinson (Kentucky)

Wan’Dale Robinson signaling first down against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Citrus Bowl. January 1st, 2021, | Keyli Chisesi | Go Big Blue Country

You can’t help but yell Boomer’s “WHOOP” when watching this guy break tackles and juke his way out of trouble. Wan’Dale stands between 5’ 8”-5’ 11” and weighs 185 pounds. Wan’Dale is slightly undersized but has great hands. His size becomes a liability when it’s difficult to box out certain defenders for contested receptions. Press defenders will also cause him trouble if they stop him on his route.

Although, crossing routes, jet motion, and screen passes are his bread and butter. Get this guy in the open field with the superb quickness and agile ball carrier vision he obtains and its daylight. His 40 yard is 4.44, and his elusiveness is what sticks out. Robinson can make any player on the field miss with his quick twitch frame. He compares to former NFL players Dante Hall and Percy Harvin.

Playing running back in Nebraska makes him a dual-threat “Z” slot receiver that can gain yardage on the ground as well. His ability to change direction on routes without slowing down is impressive but from abrupt acceleration to stopping on a dime and being able to move in any direction is what makes him a great playmaker. 

Current Receiver Situation

Thielen is turning 32 this season and definitely has a few more great seasons of football in him. Osborn is the first Vikings wide receiver not named Jefferson, Thielen, or Diggs to surpass 500+ receiving yards and 5+ TDs since Greg Jennings in 2014, so no disrespect towards him either. This leaves ISM and Bisi Johnson if Minnesota does not sign Westbrook or Beebe.

Minnesota should not look past this prolific playmaker from Kentucky, whether at slot receiver, running back, kick/punt returner, or all three.

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