Panicked about the Vikings’ WR3? Don’t Be.
The Minnesota Vikings had a couple of chances on Saturday to identify and draft a possible WR3 of the future but instead selected cornerback Khyree Jackson and kicker Will Reichard.
Panicked about the Vikings’ WR3? Don’t Be.
Many believed Minnesota would invest some draft capital in the position, but when the draft wrapped up, no wide receivers joined the purple team except a couple of UDFAs.
And while WR3 can still be perceived as a roster need, there’s no reason to panic, and here’s why.
The In-House Options
Make no mistake: the Vikings’ WR1 and WR2 are crystal-clear. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison headline the ticket, and few teams around the NFL possess a more formidable duo.
Thereafter, well, Minnesota employs 12 other men vying for the WR3 job. Here’s the full group:
WR1: Justin Jefferson
WR2: Jordan Addison
WR3: Brandon Powell
WR4: Trent Sherfield
WR5: Jalen Nailor
WR6: Lucky Jackson
WR7: Malik Knowles
WR8: Thayer Thomas
WR9: Daylen Baldwin
WR10: Trishton Jackson
WR11: N’Keal Harry
WR12: Ty James
WR13: Jeshaun Jones
WR14: Devron Harper
The men in bold are the aforementioned UDFA rookies.
There will be robust and plentiful competition; Minnesota is not lacking in organic competition. In fact, based on sheer numbers, one man among the 12 should emerge as a credible WR3. Otherwise, the team’s scouting will look silly.
The frontrunner is likely Powell, who won fans’ hearts with a game-winning touchdown at the Atlanta Falcons last November. Sherfield and Nailor are the other sensible contenders. Put plainly — there are a lot of men available.
The Outside Alternatives
If none of the 12 men busts out into WR3 contention, the current NFL marketplace has several free agents. The wide receiver spot isn’t quite like quarterback or defensive tackle, for example, where all options have vanished.
For instance, if Adofo-Mensah felt frisky as soon as now, he could somewhat easily sign any of these men:
- Tyler Boyd
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- DJ Chark
- Chase Claypool
- Russell Gage
- Mecole Hardman
- Hunter Renfrow
- Allen Robinson
- Michael Thomas
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
And if those names are uninspiring to the beholder, others like Zay Jones, Randall Cobb, and Sterling Shephard are waiting for a call.
Conveniently, WR3 is arguably the easiest roster need to fill at the moment. There are over a dozen possibilities.
Former Viking to Try Out for Lions
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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