What if a WR Falls to the Vikings?

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Apr 18, 2025
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) celebrates catching a long pass for a first down near the end zone in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 1, 2025. © Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings don’t have a ton of glaring needs for this upcoming NFL Draft. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went out and utilized his team’s ample cap space during free agency.

What if a WR Falls to the Vikings?

Of course, the Vikings didn’t get any younger, but they shored up both the interior lines and added some talent in the secondary as well. Jordan Mason has a chance to be a key offensive acquisition, which puts Minnesota in a great position given their limited draft capital.

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Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Arizona Wildcats WR Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches a pass against TCU Horned Frogs cornerback Jevon McIver Jr. (20) and safety Jamel Johnson (2) in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images.

It might seem odd for a team that employs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to draft a wide receiver, but one could fall into their lap. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is seen as the top wideout in this group, but his mock draft positioning has been all over the board. Depending on where he goes, that could impact Texas wideout Matthew Golden.

Minnesota isn’t in the driver’s seat for much, given that their first pick doesn’t come until 24th overall. If many of the teams ahead of them prioritize other needs, though, wide receiver could still be a premium position on the board. Kevin O’Connell could push for additional offensive firepower if McMillan or Golden remain available.

Texas Longhorns WR Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025. © Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The reality is that Jordan Addison is more likely to be traded than extended in Minnesota. It’s somewhat clear he wants to be the focal point of an offense, which will never happen in the shadow of Jefferson. There’s also the reality that he’s likely to face discipline for his arrest last summer.

Minnesota must provide young quarterback J.J. McCarthy with as many weapons as possible. Losing Addison for multiple games put additional strain on Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and the running game. Jalen Nailor worked as the third wideout last season, but a first-round pick would likely bump him out of the role.

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

McMillan and Golden are far from guaranteed bets to become superstars at the next level. That said, playing in a dynamic offense with a head coach like O’Connell may give them the best chance to do so. Either could operate in the slot to start their careers, and more intermediate routes could make them quick favorites for McCarthy.

Wide receiver isn’t a significant need for the Vikings, but it’s also hard to rule out.

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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.