The Vikings’ WR room looks…discouraging

Let’s be clear: There is no better wide receiver in the NFL than Justin Jefferson. Jordan Addison, who teamed up with him (albeit briefly) last season, may have created the best one-two punch in the NFL, but beyond that, Kevin O’Connell’s group leaves a lot to be desired.

The Vikings’ WR room looks…discouraging

Last year, the Minnesota Vikings were ravaged by injuries at multiple positions, the two most notable being quarterback and wide receiver. Being without Kirk Cousins ​​sank the season, but sidelining Justin Jefferson didn’t do them any favors either. On the pass-catching front, however, the offense had some depth that appears to be factored in for 2024.

No matter who was under center, they had a star tight end in TJ Hockenson. He will miss time this year, which means Robert Tonyan will be tasked with getting back to his old 11-touchdown self. The quarterbacks will have Jefferson and Addison this time around, but then they’ll bank on a huge move for Brandon Powell.

A year ago, I loved the production Powell showed during his increased opportunity. He practically took over from KJ Osborn, who has since passed away, but he was doing so as the fourth wide receiver who had moved up. Looking at Janik Eckhardt’s first showing for Minnesota, it’s hard to believe the same type of threat is emerging.

Jalen Nailor, a 2022 sixth-round pick, would be projected as the fourth wide receiver. Sure, it’s the same spot where Powell made his jump last year, but the Vikings offense needs more power with the tight end position significantly reduced. With 19 total targets and 12 receptions, it’s hard to believe the Michigan State product will step up significantly regardless of the growth he’s shown.

At different points this offseason, it looked like the Vikings were well-positioned to add a third tested wide receiver. Making Powell a depth player again and allowing him to take over when needed seemed like a really solid move. Hunter Renfrow has always been pegged as a good fit for Minnesota, but there has been no movement. There’s no need to add a bunch of junk, but someone like that, who has shown he can produce at a high level, would elevate the group as a whole.

Trent Sherfield, who played with the Buffalo Bills last season, was the only addition to the roster, and his presence won’t do much to shake things up. A six-year veteran who has only surpassed triple-digit yards twice, Sherfield has been an afterthought for the teams that have employed him thus far.

Something about the way the Vikings plan to use their roster spots at wide receiver looks eerily similar to the running back group lacking depth heading into 2023. It would be unfortunate if the same type of outcome arises.

Ted Schwerzler is a Twin Cities blogger focusing on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He is active on Twitter and writes every week for Everyday twins. As a former college athlete and sports fan, covering our professional teams with passion always seemed like such a natural outlet.