Four Wide Receiver Prospects Who Should Be on the Vikings’ Radar in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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Understandably so, much of the attention in this year’s draft class has gone towards the quarterback position.
However, there are plenty of other positions with lots of talent and potential heading into the NFL. One such position is the wide receiver spot, and especially now that K.J. Osborn is no longer in a Vikings uniform, Minnesota should have a few prospects on their radar at WR. Here is a look at five of them.
Ainias Smith, Texas A&M
Ainias Smith will head into the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the more hotly-debated wide receiver prospects. He was very productive at Texas A&M, totaling 180 receptions for 2407 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is a very slippery player who is capable of breaking tackles and actually played running back for the Aggies during the 2020 season. On top of that versatility on offense, he is a capable punt returner, averaging over 10 yards per return throughout his career and returning two punts for touchdowns.
Being an explosive athlete capable of making big plays should make him an enticing prospect, but there are questions in terms of his size and durability. He is only 5’9″ and could face trouble from bigger defensive backs.
Javon Baker, UCF
After beginning his collegiate career at Alabama, Javon Baker saw his production skyrocket after transferring to UCF in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Baker has totaled 108 receptions for 1935 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Baker isn’t an especially explosive athlete, but he has plenty of route running skills and brings great size to the position at 6’1″ and 202 pounds. He also has visited with the Vikings already, so we know he is on Minnesota’s radar.
Jamari Thrash, Louisville
Jamari Thrash looks a lot like Jordan Addison as a prospect. Thrash’s ability to run precise routes is the most intriguing skillset in his repertoire. He is excellent at changing direction and speed at the drop of a dime and finds ways to get open in the short and intermediate areas of the field as a result.
On top of this route-running, Thrash has ridiculous acceleration and can create separation downfield. He can track the ball very well on deep passes. This speed allows him to be a very dangerous player after the catch as well, and he can pick up YAC in a hurry. He could immediately jump into Minnesota’s WR3 conversation this year.
Malik Washington, Virginia
Malik Washington is a tiny player at the wide receiver position, standing at 5’8″ and 191 pounds. However, just like Tank Dell last year, the production and skillset may outweigh his size. Washington is an explosive athlete with 4.4 speed and tremendous vertical ability.
With Addison and Jefferson manning the outside spots, Washington would be a very natural fit out of the slot.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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