Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Jacob Cowing (2) reacts after a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings are perhaps in the most critical month of recent franchise history, as the new quarterback could be acquired in the draft in less than two weeks. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s third offseason in charge of the franchise has been predicated on finding a new passer and revamping a defense that needed an overhaul to fit Brian Flores’ scheme better.
An underrated need that should be included in Minnesota’s draft plans is wide receiver because of the exit of WR3 K.J. Osborn. Brandon Powell was re-signed but is likely better suited to be a WR4. No team has ever complained about having too many weapons, so finding a sidekick for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should be on the Vikings’ to-do list. In an excellent WR class, the purple team should target a wideout on day three of the draft. Here are five names to watch.
Jordan Addison’s former teammate has a similar body type at 5’10” and 174 lbs, but he projects as a slot receiver rather than an outside threat. Because of his frame, he wins as a twitchy player in space and can generate yards after the catch. He is also a fearless player in the middle of the field and unafraid to take hits.
In the last four seasons (one at Memphis and three at USC), Washington tabulated almost 3,200 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. His consistency has been remarkable as he logged between 600 and 800 yards in three straight years before ultimately finishing his career with a 1,062-yard season.
Georgia has produced some excellent wideouts in the past; the latest example is Steelers receiver George Pickens. Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint caught 34 passes for 534 yards last season, his best campaign on campus.
The receiver’s best attributes include sure hands and the ability to come down with contested catches. He also offers a big frame and can be used as a true asset as a blocker, an essential element in Minnesota’s offense.
Conversely, Rosemy-Jacksaint lacks the explosiveness to be a dominant receiver at the next level and must improve some technical flaws to hide his physical weaknesses.
Similar to Washington, Joshua Cephus has been highly productive in college. In five seasons, he collected 3,655 yards and 28 scores as a receiver (he logged negative yards and one touchdown as a rusher). His numbers increased yearly, and his statistical floor in the last three seasons was 819 yards and six touchdowns.
Primarily playing in the slot, Cephus is a bigger wideout at 6’2″, and because of his sure hands, he will be a QB’s best friend. A solid route runner with the blocking skills O’Connell is looking for, Cephus would be an ideal late-round wideout for the Vikings.
Jacob Cowing should be the target if the Vikings want to add some juice to the offense. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. Cowing excels in the quick game rather than over the top, but he could be a wonderful complement to the deep threat ability of Jefferson and Addison.
The slot receiver, at 5’8″ and 168 lbs, has a tiny frame but is extremely quick and can beat defenders after the catch. Vikings’ punt returner Brandon Powell is perhaps a solid comparison for him, although he was a much more accomplished player coming out of college than the converted running back.
In five seasons between UTEP and Arizona, Cowing caught 316 passes for 4,477 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also has some experience as a punt returner.
Compared to some of the previously mentioned players, Jamari Thrash can play inside and outside. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and can win over the top as a deep threat. After four years at Georgia State, with an excellent fourth season (1,122 yards and seven TDs), Thrash transferred to Louisville, where he confirmed that he isn’t a product of subpar competition and can play at the Power-5 level. In his lone campaign in the ACC, he caught 63 passes for 858 yards and six scores.
Thrash is a good route runner, and his adequate footwork will help him reach the next level, but he must improve his game against contact. The fundamentals are intriguing and guarantee an immediate role on offense.
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 Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt