Vikings Rumors: No WR2 Need, Northern Kitties, & The Blossoming QB Competition
K. Joudry
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We’ve officially transitioned into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors are going to be coming fast and furious.
As a result, I’m returning to the “Vikings Rumor Wrangle,” a series I’ve leaned on previously to keep readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the need (or lack thereof) for a WR2, the Lions as NFC North favorites, and adding some competition for the QB position.
The Vikings Rumors – 03.22.2023
Rumor #1 – The WR2 Spot Isn’t a Major Need for Minnesota
Last week, we spent a few minutes discussing how the Josh Oliver addition pointed toward a shift in the offense’s strategy (with a different piece offering some more robust thoughts).
An unexplored implication of that shift to more 12 personnel is the shift in importance for the WR2. Or, rather, a relative lack of importance.
Currently, the team is heading toward a Justin Jefferson & K.J. Osborn partnership as the main receiver pair. To my mind, that’s a strong place to be, especially within the context of the Vikings’ offense. Jefferson is an absolute star, a receiver who is doing things that no other receiver in NFL history has done. He’ll very rightly receive mammoth attention. After him, the next option is the passing game is T.J. Hockenson. The WR2, then, is at best the #3 option in the passing game.
Now, we also need to remember the team’s upcoming reliance on 12 personnel. In that look, the Vikings will likely be running the ball more, siphoning touches away from the receivers and relocating them among the running backs. Again, the end result is less importance on that second receiver spot.
The broader point is that in 2023, the WR2 may end up being the 4th or 5th option in terms of overall touches in the Vikings offense. As a result, should we really be so concerned about improving that spot? After all, Osborn has had some sensational moments. It’s very possible he can flirt with 1,000 receiving yards.
Rumor #2 – The Detroit Lions (a.k.a. The Kardiac Kitties) Are the NFC North Favorites
Somewhat astonishingly, the Detroit Lions finished as the 2nd-best team in the NFC North. The latest hype suggests they’ll eschew the silver medal in 2023, instead upgrading to top spot on the podium as Dan Campbell’s Knee Biters snag the divisional gold.
I, for one, am not overlooking the Lions (at least not anymore). They’ve made some wonderful additions in free agency and still have more than $20 million in cap room. What’s more, they’ve got the 6th, 18th, 49th, and 56th picks in the draft. Wild stuff that bodes well for the Michigan rival.
On the other hand, we’re talking about the Lions. Sure, they may have been the Kardiac Kitties last season – shout out to Josh Frey for the nickname! – but the Vikings were no slouch in clutch situations (a certain playoff fiasco aside).
Coming off a 13-4 season and with a new defensive sheriff in the saddle, the Vikings are well-positioned to defend the North. No, it won’t be easy, especially since the Lions really did do a nice job of navigating the initial days of free agency. Oh, and the move to bring back OC Ben Johnson? Brilliant.
Even still, let’s see how things look once the teams get onto the field. Minnesota has also taken steps forward.
Rumor #3 – The Vikings Will Turn Up the Heat in the QB Room by Drafting a Young Quarterback
At this stage, it’s impossible to know for certain. After all, even NFL GMs have no idea how things will shake out in the draft.
Nevertheless, there’s a very good chance Kevin O’Connell (former NFL QB) and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah believe it’s prudent to bring someone aboard.
Going into 2023, the main components of the QB hierarchy are close to fully locked-in: Kirk Cousins will be the starter and Nick Mullens the main backup. What’s missing, though, is a semblance of what could arrive afterwards. Or, perhaps, what would happen if one of those two went down to injury. At present, there is no QB3.
I’ll be shocked if the Vikings opt for a quarterback in the draft’s opening round, but it would be even more astonishing if they didn’t, at the very least, add a QB as an UDFA. More likely is adding a QB in the mid rounds. I’ve got my eye on Jaren Hall, but not everyone agrees he’s a top prospect. I reached out to Josh Frey of PurplePTSD about Hall; our draft expert is less enthused about the BYU QB, but we’ll see if the Vikings agree.
I’ll readily acknowledge that I know essentially nothing about college QBs. Plenty of other names are out there for options. Expect the Vikings to add someone, though.
Mr. Cousins is heading into the summer months with just a single season left on his deal. Minnesota should seriously consider adding a young QB in the draft.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
