The Minnesota Vikings have some noteceable selections to create on the WR place. It may well be overshadowed by way of alternative positions like QB, OLB, and IDL in conversations this offseason, however in a pass-focused offense, the WR intensity is noteceable. With unfastened company and the draft swiftly coming near, I can put ahead my predictions for the Vikings’ WR staff.
Predictions for Vikings WR Crew in 2024
The Vikings have a dynamic duo on the govern of the intensity chart in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The pair will have to supremacy the Vikings assault for years, along side TJ Hockenson, who is likely one of the best possible pass-catching TEs round and is an finest 1/3 choice, even though symptoms point out he won’t have recovered from his knee shock by way of the beginning of the pristine season.
The query marks encompass the intensity of the placement, specifically who can be WR3 with KJ Osborn a unfastened agent. Later, the Vikings will have to come to a decision what to do with the alternative two spots at the intensity chart. Accidents to Jefferson and Hockenson right through the 2023 season highlighted the use of no longer simply depending for your starters and desiring trait intensity on the place. First, there may be the little subject of a famous person desiring a abundance pledge — which definitely hasn’t long gone underneath the radar.
Justin Jefferson
Jefferson is fat information, so presen his pledge extension residue unsigned, media retailers will experience stirring up hypothesis — and we’ve discoverable plethora of it.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah put to mattress the industry rumors circling on the mix. Jefferson gets his extension and be the highest-paid WR in history when he symptoms. He may also be a cornerstone on which Minnesota builds its year. That mentioned, it received’t be lengthy till the media are stirring issues up once more if the offer hasn’t been finalized. Minnesota must get the offer accomplished once conceivable.
Prediction: Jefferson symptoms a 4-year, $132 million pledge extension.
Isolated Company
Settingup with selections on Minnesota’s two pending unfastened brokers, Osborn and Brandon Powell — Osborn has accomplished a forged task because the Vikings WR3, averaging 600 yards and 5 touchdowns a season throughout 3 seasons. The possibilities of him turning back Minnesota will hinge on how a lot passion there may be in his services and products around the league. If every other workforce is prepared to pay him round $4 million yearly, I will’t see the Vikings homogeneous that offer.
Brandon Powell proved to be a decent punt returner who stepped up when wanted on offense —specifically with the game-winning landing catch in Atlanta. He did enough quantity to warrant bringing him again to compete for a job on offense and to stay the punt returner.
There are alternatives at the free-agent marketplace the Vikings can discover will have to they want. Avid gamers reminiscent of Curtis Samuel, Tyler Boyd, Josh Reynolds, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would possibly passion them. Dearer avid gamers like Tee Higgins, Michael Pittman, Calvin Ridley, and Maquize Brown are too expensive for WR3 tasks. Boyd and Reynolds are the 2 avid gamers I feel could be a just right are compatible. Then again, I expect the Vikings received’t create a travel for any free-agent WR.
Prediction: Osborn symptoms a 2-year, $8.5 million offer with the Detroit Lions. Powell re-signs on a 1-year, $1.6 million pledge.
The Draft
The Vikings want a WR3, and a few thrilling choices may well be to be had in the second one around — avid gamers like Xavier Decent, Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, and Adonai Mitchell, to call a couple of. The 1/3 around would even be a pleasant spot to get one; the difficulty is Minnesota doesn’t personal a third-round select.
In fact, they might industry up if a participant like Xavier Legette, Malachi Corley, or Jacob Cowing appeals to them. I additionally be expecting the Vikings to usefulness one in every of their Month 3 selections so as to add every other WR to the combo, the place Luke McCaffrey sticks out as an choice — and no longer as a result of he’s the brother of big name 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey.
Prediction: Minnesota will industry up into the past due 1/3 around, make a choice Jacob Cowing, and usefulness a Month 3 select to draft Luke McCaffrey.
The Ultimate WR Crew
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Jacob Cowing
- Brandon Powell
- Luke McCaffrey
Minnesota already has a accumulation of WRs within the construction who can be competing for a roster. Jalen Nailor, N’Keal Harry, Fortunate Jackson, Trishton Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Malik Knowles, and Daylen 1st earl baldwin of bewdley will fight it out with the 2 newbies and Powell for positioning at the intensity chart. Nailor trade in a velocity choice, however accidents hampered his anticipated walk in Month 2 endmost season. Harry provides the Vikings a “big” receiver with revel in. I expect none of them create it, however you’ll be able to ensure many will to find their option to the observe squad.
Cowing is a little slot receiver who creates parting, presen McCaffrey has a taller body and excels on deep routes. McCaffrey additionally has the prospective to compete with Powell for the punt returner task. The pair brings a just right combine to the Vikings’ offense that I consider rounds out the Vikings’ WR staff effectively.
