8 Predictions for Vikings WR3 in 2024

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Feb 17, 2024
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) celebrates after scoring on a 2-yard touchdown reception against the Utah Utes in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ first offseason domino, with few debates from anyone, starts with the free-agency decision on Kirk Cousins. The man is scheduled to hit the open market in three weeks, but Minnesota could disallow it by re-signing him.

8 Predictions for Vikings WR3 in 2024

After that, plenty of roster building will begin. Via that process, Minnesota must identify a WR3, either from the NFL Draft, free agency, or a player already in-house.

VikingsTerritory writers were asked to predict the team’s WR3 for Week 1 of 2024, and these were the responses listed in no particular order.

1. Devontez Walker (UNC)

Oct 7, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) warms up before the game against the Syracuse Orange at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Ali Siddiqui

Currently, the Vikings don’t hold a third-round pick but will trade into it and take the former UNC Tar Heel. K.J. Osborn is not expected to be back, and with the team’s roster needs, there’s a great chance they’ll draft a WR.

2. Javon Baker (UCF)

Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Javon Baker (1) celebrates his touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first half of the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Cody Spears

A loaded draft class at receiver should push talent down the board. Javon Baker is right on the edge of being a day-two pick. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah takes the Senior Bowl standout, who also pops analytically, sometime on day three.

3. Tahj Washington (USC)

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) carries the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half of the Holiday Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Wes Johnson

While I think the Vikings end up running more 12-personnel this season, they will need to make accommodations in the early part of the season as T.J. Hockenson recovers from his knee injury.

That will be in the form of more three wide receiver sets. Enter Tahj Washington, who played primarily out of the slot at USC with Caleb Williams. He’s in the mold of recent shifty slot receivers who made a splash in recent draft years and reunites with last season’s first-round draft pick, Jordan Addison.

4. Roman Wilson (Michigan)

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Adam New

A familiar weapon for possible new QB JJ McCarthy? The Vikings hardly lack offensive weapons, but I predict the Vikings will take a double dip from Michigan. The role of WR3 in Minnesota would be a great fit for the rookie to use his speed, toughness, and good hands to create a positive effect.

5. Josh Reynolds

Vikings Got Wasted in Detroit
Dec 11, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Janik Eckardt

Josh Reynolds is coming off a profitable season with the Lions, eclipsing 600 receiving yards and scoring 5 touchdowns. He remained productive in the postseason. Head coach Kevin O’Connell worked with him in 2020 when he was the offensive coordinator of the Rams, and he wouldn’t be the first player from that team to follow him to Minnesota.

6. Rashid Shaheed

Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) looks on before the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Dustin Baker

An All-Pro and Pro Bowl punt returner, too, Shaheed’s speed and gadget-style skillset would fit wonderfully in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, especially with T.J. Hockenson presumably on tap to miss some of 2024.

Rasheed tabulated 719 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns last season, a perfect statline for a WR3. And he’ll be affordable in free agency. Yes, please.

7. Jalen Nailor

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) catches a pass against the New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Cole Smith

The 2022 sixth-round pick nicknamed “Speedy” could add a vertical element to the Vikings’ passing offense. If he can stay healthy, Nailor could finally showcase his ability and elevate the (rookie) QB play.

t8. Brandon Powell

Unsung WR Continues
Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction Maker: Ted Schwerzler

When you have to pay everyone, you can’t pay every position you want to. Wide receiver gets handled internally, and Powell at least flashed signs of being capable last season. A JJ, JA, and BP trio works.

t8. Brandon Powell

for Vikings WR3 in
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) reacts after catching the go-ahead touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker: Kyle Joudry

Brandon Powell will get the call, but look for Minnesota to add a bruiser with speed to be the WR4 complement. Having someone with some scary top speed and great length will add a different element to the offense.

Also Read:Once-Promising QB Linked to Vikings in Trade Rumor Mill

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.

By Dustin Baker
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker