Promising WR3 Candidate Shines Early in Vikings Training Camp
The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off training camp, and some fascinating tidbits have already emerged in two days of practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. Dalton Risner appearing to be the odd man out in the competition for the starting guard jobs and Sam Darnold slinging the ball are just two of those storylines.
Promising WR3 Candidate Shines Early in Vikings Training Camp
But there’s one competition that won’t be decided anytime soon, but it will take multiple weeks ‒ perhaps even months ‒ to figure out, especially if nobody rises as a true WR3. The Vikings employ a trio of receivers who could be in line as the first option behind star receiver Justin Jefferson and his wingman Jordan Addison.
That trifecta includes punt returner Brandon Powell, who excelled last year during Jefferson’s absence as a reliable playmaker for various passers. He returned on a one-year contract, hoping his role on offense would expand now that K.J. Osborn left in free agency. Powell is viewed as the frontrunner for the WR3 role, primarily because he seems to be a safe option after showcasing his skills in 2023.
However, he will be challenged by veteran signee Trent Sherfield, who is also on a one-year contract. Unlike Powell, he brings the size to be a real asset as a blocker, but his receiving output has been limited for most of his six-year career in the NFL.
Presumably, the top threat to unseat Powell is third-year wideout Jalen Nailor. The 2022 sixth-rounder out of Michigan State has been struggling with frequent absences during his professional and collegiate careers, limiting his production and certainly capping his trustworthiness.
However, when he is available, he is demanding attention. That was apparent in his rookie season when he caught three passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in the blowout loss at Green Bay. He torched the Packers’ defenders as the lone bright spot in an otherwise miserable game.
Last offseason, Nailor was a popular breakout candidate, but various injuries prevented him from climbing the depth chart in training camp and forced him to sit out multiple games. Later in the season, he suffered a concussion and missed the final four games.
Now, once again, Nailor is a potential breakout player. The early reports from training camp suggest that he provides the highest upside of all candidates for the vacant WR3 gig.
Alec Lewis from The Athletic mentioned him in his camp notes on Wednesday:
When Jalen Nailor is healthy, he stands out. Wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell directed the Vikings receivers through early drills Wednesday, and Nailor appeared bulkier than in years past. If he stays healthy, he is likely the internal favorite to be the team’s No. 3 receiver.
On Thursday, he was again in the spotlight, appearing on one of the few highlight plays the team releases daily. The speedster caught a deep pass from rookie J.J. McCarthy, and the grab was quite impressive:
Through two seasons, Nailor has caught 12 passes in 21 contests for 208 yards and one touchdown. It’s safe to say that he would eclipse those numbers if he can come out victorious in the contest for WR3.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked about the WR3 candidates last month, and he heavily featured Nailor in his response, who seemingly earned a mention: “That third receiver spot is going to be very competitive. There’s a bunch of guys that had really good springs. I mean, Jalen Nailor had another really good offseason program. … When he’s healthy and on the field, he shows up every single opportunity he’s gotten.”
Staying healthy is key for the 25-year-old. He has the talent to become a dynamic third option who can hurt defenses over the top but must prove his value in training camp. The early results are exciting.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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