The Vikings’ WR3 Battle Gains an Unexpected Contender
Minnesota wants to be capable of running the football when in 11 personnel.
To that end, the Vikings’ WR3 is going to be an important part of the equation. The personnel refers to when there’s 1 running back, 1 tight end, and 3 receivers on the field. Upon first glance, it’s more of a passing look, and that tends to play out for the Vikings, a team that has made a habit of passing with great consistency. Being capable of running, though, will be very important. Does Trent Sherfield thus get worked into the mix as the WR3?
The Vikings’ WR3 Battle and Trent Sherfield
Right now, most of the attention is going toward Jalen Nailor.
The third-year receiver has been impressive in training camp. Even better, Nailor was impressive in the opening preseason game, turning a trio of catches in 63 yards. Plus, Trishton Jackson impressed everyone with his 4 receptions for 100 yards and a score. Toss in the versatile Brandon Powell and it’s easy to forget Mr. Sherfield.
Kevin O’Connell, the team’s head coach, certainly hasn’t forgotten about the former Bill.
Earlier in the week, O’Connell spoke about how impressed he was with Trent Sherfield. “A guy that jumped out on the tape for me,” O’Connell explains, “was Trent Sherfield. Really every single one of those 11-personnel runs that popped, including Kene’s long one, I mean he’s really at the point of attack on a lot of those.”
O’Connell goes on: “Trent’s been one of those guys where I was really looking forward to seeing him play because it’s not a thud, it’s not a two-hand touch drill anymore, and I think that’s where Trent tends to thrive.”
Back in July, O’Connell spoke about how getting the pads on was going to be beneficial for Sherfield. He’s a physical player, so being able to get into a real game where he can go at full speed would be an environment that more readily lends itself to his style of play and what he does well.
Clearly, the Vikings saw physicality on film and knew that Sherfield would be someone who looks better in a helmet and shoulder pads than when it’s just shorts and a t-shirt. Keep in mind that the man has good size, standing at 6’1″ and weighing 205 pounds.
Now, by no means am I suggesting that the aforementioned receivers — Nailor, Jackson, Powell — aren’t going to be playing a role. All of those guys look promising. The appeal with Sherfield is simply that he offers something a bit different.
Imagine the offense at full strength. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will be the top pair of receivers; T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones will be the tight end and running back who are in the mix. That’s a ton of pass catching.
Maybe a WR3 who can specialize in being a blocking bully wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Maybe Sherfield earns a hearty portion of snaps if he can continue showing that he’s capable of pushing defenders around. Maybe O’Connell continues to attach the word “thrive” to Sherfield, prompting us to reconsider who’s in the mix to become the Vikings’ WR3 (or, at least, one of the receivers who gets regular time).
Sherfield, 28, is carrying a $1,790,000 cap hit into the season. As a Bill in 2023, he had 11 receptions, 86 yards, and 1 touchdown.
Keep an eye on #11 in today’s game. In particular, see if the Vikings run the ball well when he’s on the field. Oh, and another catch or two wouldn’t hurt his chances.
The game gets started at 3:25 p.m. CT and will be taking place in Cleveland.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
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