Vikings Receivers

The Minnesota Vikings receiver roster looks like this.

Charles Johnson
Greg Jennings
Jarius Wright
Cordarrelle Patterson
Adam Thielen

They also have Kain Colter and Donte Foster on the practice squad.

Many talking heads and fans have the Vikings looking to receiver at the top of the 2015 NFL Draft. Recall what Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones did to the Green Bay Packers secondary a week ago. Everyone wants a receiver that can do damage like that. A receiver that can take over a game. The Vikings used to have one in Randy Moss. Those were fine days. And, it's always a good idea to surround a promising young quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater with as many weapons as possible. A position can always be improved. So, the Vikings taking a receiver early wouldn't be surprise.

It also shouldn't be a surprise if the Vikings stick with the group that they have. This group has some intriguing potential.

The integration of Charles Johnson into the offense in the middle of the season has been one of the most promising developments of the season. He looks like he could be that #1 receiver that every team supposedly needs. At 6'2" and 215 lbs, he has terrific size. He also has terrific speed. Most importantly, he just get open. A lot. His route running should be an example for all of the receivers on the team. He's young, talented, and works to get better. His path to the NFL might not have been smooth but his future in the league is very bright.

Greg Jennings is the veteran, the leader. He's 31. He'll be 32 at the start of the 2015 season. Some might want the Vikings to let him go to save some cash. Some might argue that the highest paid receiver shouldn't be in the middle of the team's receiving pecking order. Letting Jennings go would be a mistake. His solid presence and experience is important for Bridgewater and the young receivers. And, he can still make plays.

Jarius Wright simply makes big plays. He doesn't seem to get a lot of touches but his touches often seem to make a big impact on the game. He's a deep threat. He's a running threat. He's a very versatile playmaker.

Cordarrelle Patterson is the wildcard. Everyone expected him to explode on the NFL this season. For whatever reason, it never happened. He had a big game in week 1 but has been nearly invisible ever since. Johnson eventually replaced him in the starting lineup. The media kept trying to put Patterson in the coaching doghouse but head coach Mike Zimmer kept denying that the youngster had taken up residence there. Patterson entered the league as a very raw receiver last year and it's clear that he still has a lot to learn. His natural athletic ability is immense. If his receiving ability ever approaches that natural ability, he could tear the league apart. He might want to watch how Johnson and Jennings run routes.

Adam Thielen is one of those players that busts his ass everyday just to stay in the league. He climbed from a small school (Mankato St.) to the NFL. He doesn't look like an NFL receiver when he's standing next to his NFL peers. He's bigger than he looks. Faster than he looks. Better than he looks. He also makes serious contributions on special teams. He's the type of football player that you like having on your roster.

Kain Colter and Donte Foster will again fight for spots in training camp. Colter, in particular, will force the coaches to make tough decisions next summer. He's been smart and followed in the footsteps of Jennings. Mirroring everything that the veteran does.

Johnson, Jennings, Wright, Patterson, and Thielen make a very good, diverse group of receivers. There might not be much room for a rookie. Especially if Patterson can learn how to make productive use of that ridiculous talent of his.