I should probably just sit back and wait to see how the Minnesota Vikings receiver position shakes out. I should just wait to see who and how many receivers they trot out to face the Detroit Lions in week 1. I think that it's the Vikings most intriguing training camp battle and I just can't stop myself from speculating. Minnesota usually keeps five receivers on the roster. They haven't had too many NFL quality receivers in recent years, let alone five in a single year. This training camp is a little different. The talent level is actually bringing some optimism for 2013. At the end of the 2012 season it didn't look that way. The Vikings receiver position looked pretty bleak after they traded Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks. For a brief moment Jarius Wright sat on top of the depth chart. He'd just completed his rookie season and had about a dozen career receptions. Wright is well on his way to becoming a terrific receiver but the talent pool is pretty shallow if he's on top of it. Since that shaky moment, the Vikings have re-signed Jerome Simpson, added Greg Jennings in free agency, moved Joe Webb from quarterback to receiver, and drafted Cordarrelle Patterson in the first round. A few months ago the receiver position was a weakness. Now, it may be a strength. Nothing is certain until the regular season starts but quarterback Christian Ponder should be much more comfortable. He has weapons besides handing off to Adrian Peterson and playing catch with tight end Kyle Rudolph. For a team with a strong receiver tradition, it's nice to finally have some talent at the position again.
This talent increase will force some tough roster decisions for coach Leslie Frazier and general manager Rick Spielman. It's been assumed by most that Jennings, Simpson, Wright, and Patterson are locks to be on the 53 man roster. Simpson might be the least secure but his experience and big play potential is too important to let go. Third-year Stephen Burton has had a terrific camp. He's always had nice potential. His play is now approaching that potential. If the Vikings keep only five receivers, Burton is likely the fifth right now. That leaves Joe Webb on the outside. Webb might be the most physically gifted athlete on the team. Dabbling at quarterback for three years set him back as a receiver now. He's learning the nuances of the position but coming along nicely. There's just not a lot of time in the "what have you done for me lately" NFL. Webb is also a terrific teammate. He brings intangibles beyond being a fantastic athlete. Personally, I think that he's too valuable to the Vikings to release to the league. I think that Joe Webb forces the Vikings to keep six receivers.
Then, there's Greg Childs. As a rookie last year, he tore the patellar tendon in both knees during a scrimmage at training camp. He's been doing a terrific job with his rehab. So good, in fact, that he may be on the cusp of returning to the football field. No one has ever returned from this injury. A healthy Childs is talented enough to force further difficult decisions. He's on the PUP list now. He can remain there through much of the season but at some point soon the Vikings will have to make a decision on Childs. I'd like to see him return to the field this season. He's worked too hard. Perhaps the best, and safest, option is to sit Childs for another season. If he can make it back, he'd likely take Simpson's spot with the receivers.
No matter how this position shakes out, the Vikings pass catchers will be greatly improved this season. Jennings, Wright, Simpson, Patterson, Burton, and/or Webb have a chance to be dynamite.
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