Minnesota Vikings Receivers

I’m glad that Minnesota Vikings roster decisions aren’t mine. I have no idea how to deal with the team’s receivers. Beyond the top three, maybe four, it’s wide open.

The Receivers:

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Brandon Powell

Jalen Reagor

Trishton Jackson

N’Keal Harry

Blake Proehl

Thayer Thomas

Jacob Copeland

Lucky Jackson

Garrett Maag

13 receivers. I can come up with reasons to include as many as ten of them on the final roster. In Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Jordan Addison the Vikings can, on potential, boast one of the best receiving trios in the league. If not for the injury on the first day of camp, Jalen Nailor would probably make it one of the best quartets in the league. He returned to practice this week. Hopefully, he can stay on the field. If Nailor returns to the form he showed in the offseason, four receivers are likely set. After that, it’s wide open.

Do the Vikings keep five or six receivers? More often than not, my answer is five. Due to scheme and special teams needs, I see the Vikings decision-makers with a final roster than leans toward the defense. Perhaps even a 23:27 offense:defense roster. Unless Nailor has a setback, that leaves one open receiver spot. 

Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, Trishton Jackson, N’Keal Harry, Thayer Thomas, Blake Proehl….

Powell and Reagor return kicks. Jackson keeps making plays. Harry provides size that the Vikings really don’t have. Rookie Thomas just gets open. Proehl has stuck with the team for a few years just getting open. 

The decision probably comes down to Powell or Reagor because of their return ability. I probably lean Powell more often than not. Then there’s the speed and explosiveness of Reagor that head coach Kevin O’Connell was quick to mention when asked about the receivers. 

Then there’s this. Maybe a receiver, or more, passed Nailor while he was out with the injury. Who knows? I sure don’t. I’m glad these roster decisions aren’t mine to make.