Vikings Training Camp Predictions: No Major Surprises at WR
Josh Frey
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Over the past two years, the Vikings have seen major breakouts from the wide receiver position. Firstly, in 2020 Justin Jefferson broke onto the scene during his rookie year after largely being perceived as “just another slot receiver” during the draft process. He proved everyone wrong to the tune of 88 receptions, 1400 yards, and seven touchdowns.
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Then in 2021, KJ Osborn went into the year seen as a special teams player. The Vikings signed Dede Westbrook and were expecting him to win the WR3 job in Minnesota. Instead, Westbrook recorded just 10 receptions throughout the season. He had nine total receiving yards over the course of the final 11 games.
In part, Westbrook’s lack of an offensive role was because of his own shortcomings, but KJ Osborn flat out stole the spot over the course of the Vikings training camp and preseason. He finished the 2021 season with 50 receptions, 677 yards, and seven touchdowns.
With players like Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Jalen Nailor on the roster, everyone is trying to predict who will be this year’s massive breakout player at wide receiver during the Vikings training camp and preseason. While I do believe both these players will make the final roster, I find it very improbable that either of them will have the same sort of impact on the offense that we’ve seen from young receivers over the past two years.
As long as Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson are healthy, they should command around 250-300 targets if not more. Add in another 150-200 for KJ Osborn and Irv Smith Jr., and there simply aren’t enough targets left for huge seasons from other players.
That said, Thielen has missed time in each of the last two seasons, and ISM emerged as a capable red zone target in his stead down the stretch of the 2021 season. If the trend of Thielen missing games continues, we could see a couple big outputs from him.
Jalen Nailor will likely see much of his production for 2022 take place on the special teams as well. He does have the advantage of being a very twitchy receiver though with supreme athleticism. This could allow him to make a few highlight plays within the offense even if the rookie only sees limited snaps.
As for the actual roster, I believe Minnesota will carry five of their current 12 receivers on the current roster. Those players will be Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Jalen Nailor.
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