One Veteran Viking is the Strong Front Runner to be the WR3
K. Joudry
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Count me among those who are believers in Brandon Powell.
At 5’8″, 181, the veteran Viking isn’t going to be winning any strong-man competitions in the NFL (despite Kevin O’Connell’s insistence on using Powell as the tush-push player). Where Powell finds success is through his ability to create separation with some excellent shiftiness and acceleration. Partner the speed with some savvy and the journeyman may play a notable role for the 2024 Vikings.
Veteran Viking Brandon Powell is Set Up to be MIN’s WR3
Start on special teams.
Were it not for an ability to help as a punt returner, Brandon Powell probably doesn’t get a shot with the Vikings. Jalen Reagor struggled to pickup explosive gains, so Matt Daniels sensibly opted for Mr. Powell.
The 28-year-old scooped up 37 punt returns for 289 yards, good for a 7.8-yard average. The year prior, Reagor was sitting at 26 returns for 167 yards, a 6.4-yard average.
Notably, Powell also produced more on offense.
In 2022, Jalen Reagor offered Minnesota 8 receptions, 104 yards, and a touchdown. Or, put differently, a humdrum game for Justin Jefferson. In 2023, Brandon Powell offered 29 receptions for 324 yards and a touchdown. Not earth shattering, but solid when we remember that he was the WR4 and functioning within an offense with no shortage of QB turmoil.
Prior to becoming a Viking, Powell was a Lion, Falcon, Bill, Dolphin, and Ram. His career has certainly had its ups and downs, but it’s notable when a coach brings a former player to his current team. Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips were in LA when Powell was there; the basic takeaway is simply that O’Connell and Phillips must value what Powell offers.
Powell got kicked into the slot with regularity; he snagged 263 snaps in that alignment. But then he also was used out wide for 141 snaps while lining up in the backfield for 2 snaps. Moving forward, the Vikings will be continuing to lean on him to shuffle around the field.
Josh Frey has described how there were promising WR3 options in the 2024 NFL Draft, even on Day 3. Rather than opt for one, the Vikings beefed up their lines, added a kicker, and then another corner. Completely overlooking the receiver position is notable since K.J. Osborn departed and there was no FA addition who functions as a clear replacement. Is there confidence in the in-house talent?
Left in charge of the purple personnel, I’d opt for a speedy bruiser at WR3. Give me someone who can challenge defenses deep and who can wallop defenders in the running game. Minnesota’s decision makers aren’t proceeding with much urgency when it comes to adding someone like that.
Instead, the plan is evidently to trust someone from the current cluster to emerge. Maybe N’Keal Harry — who looks like a tight end playing wide receiver — can be that player, but he was used sparingly last season.
The Vikings will feature Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones as the main playmakers. One wonders if Brandon Powell can be the WR3 as someone who is very difficult to hang with in man coverage. He can line up in the backfield and be moved out wide or inside. He can help on special teams, too.
The offseason is going to be offering a full competition at various spots on the roster. Nothing will be handed to Brandon Powell, but he is the favorite to jump into the WR3 opening.
Last year, Powell arrived in Minnesota courtesy of a 1-year pact at $1,232,500 and with $275,000 guaranteed. More recently, Powell agreed to a 1-year, $2,000,000 agreement with $625,000 in guarantees. Generally speaking, teams don’t give raises to players whom they plan on demoting, so look for Mr. Powell to play an important role for the 2024 Vikings.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.