Three Deep 2.0? The Vikings Should Look to Add This Playmaker to the WR Room
Brett Peterson
|
The Minnesota Vikings have been known for their explosive offense in recent years, and they are always on the lookout for talented playmakers to bolster their roster.
One player who would seamlessly fit into their offensive scheme and potentially create a new era of Three Deep in Minnesota, is Tyler Boyd. The Bengals wide receiver is set to hit free agency in 2024, and Minnesota would be wise to at least make a call gauging his interest in signing as a Viking.
One of the main reasons why Boyd would excel in Minnesota’s offense is his ability to play the slot receiver position effectively. The receiver has proven to be a reliable target in the middle of the field, using his quickness and route-running skills to create separation from defenders. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison primarily lining up on the outside, Boyd’s presence in the slot would give the Vikings a versatile and dangerous trio of receivers.
Boyd’s strong hands and precise route running make him an ideal target for a young quarterback if the Vikings were to draft a signal caller in this years draft. He has a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage and can make tough catches in traffic.
The receiver’s ability to consistently move the chains and convert on crucial third-down situations would provide the Vikings offense with a reliable option, especially early on in the season if their star tight end TJ Hockenson is still recovering from his knee injury. If the Vikings decide to re-sign quarterback Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback would instantly develop chemistry with a reliable target like Boyd.
The Vikings Would Love His Yards After Catch Ability
Another aspect of Boyd’s game that would greatly benefit the Vikings offense is his yards after catch (YAC) ability. He has a natural instinct for gaining extra yards once he has the ball in his hands. Boyd’s elusiveness and agility make him a difficult player to bring down in open space, which would add another dimension to the Vikings’ short passing game.
According to PFF, Boyd averaged 4.3 yards after the catch per reception in 2023 while Viking’s star receiver Justin Jefferson averages 3.9, and the Bengals receiver has averaged 4.5 yards after the catch throughout his career. This is just an example of how dynamic the soon-to-be free agent is. His ability to turn short receptions into big gains would keep the chains moving and put additional pressure on opposing defenses.
The former Pittsburgh Panther’s skill set would complement the existing weapons in the Vikings offense perfectly. With Justin Jefferson being a skilled route runner and a superstar playmaker alongside Jordan Addison showcasing his explosiveness, deep ball prowess, and red zone efficiency, Boyd’s presence would provide a different dynamic.
His ability to work the middle of the field and create separation would open up opportunities for the receivers on the outside, allowing whoever is the Viking’s quarterback in 2024 to have multiple reliable targets at his disposal.
Tyler Boyd’s addition to Kevin O’Connell’s offense would be a significant boost to an already solid unit. His reliable hands, crisp route running, YAC ability, and complementary skill set would make him a perfect fit alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
With Boyd in the fold, the Vikings would have a versatile and dangerous trio of receivers that would keep opposing defenses on their toes. If the Vikings were to acquire Tyler Boyd, their offense would undoubtedly take another step forward in their pursuit of a top five offense and the desire to get back to the postseason.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus.
The Vikings Could Be Taking on a Lot of Water Once the Dead Money Gets Added Up