Vikings Hold Private Workout with Dynamic WR Prospect
Josh Frey
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This spring, the Vikings lost WR K.J. Osborn in free agency to the New England Patriots.
As a result, some have suggested that Minnesota could need some extra wide receiver help in the draft. Luckily, this class is loaded with talent at the position, and the Vikings conducted a visit with one of the more dynamic WR prospects, Jalen McMillan, who spent his collegiate years with the Washington Huskies.
Dynamic WR Prospect Works Out for Vikings
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the news, tweeting, “#Washington WR Jalen McMillan visits the #Bengals today, wrapping up a slate of visits that’s included the #Chiefs, #AZCardinals, #Jaguars, #Panthers and #Dolphins. McMillan, a projected Day 2 #NFLDraft pick, also had private workouts with the #Bills and #Vikings.”
McMillan spent four seasons at Washington, and after spending the majority of his freshman season in a reserve role, he became one of the programs leading receivers alongside Rome Odunze and TE Cade Otton.
The receiver enjoyed a breakout year in 2022 during Michael Penix’s first season at Washington, and McMillan recorded 79 receptions for 1098 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the PAC-12 in touchdown receptions.
Because of this productive season, McMillan seemed poised to become a top draft prospect heading into 2023, but unfortunately, a knee injury hampered his production throughout much of the year. After catching four passes against Michigan State on September 16th, he either missed games or played in very limited fashion for two months.
As a result, he would not haul in another reception until November 26th against Washington State. Even with that two-month stretch, though, McMillan still found a way to haul in 45 passes for 559 yards and five touchdowns on the year.
McMillan primarily played out of the slot throughout his collegiate career, so he likely will be limited to that spot in the NFL. However, Washington also utilized him out of the backfield at times and showed flashes as a punt returner, so he can offer versatility in other ways.
In all likelihood, McMillan will be selected during the second day of the draft, but if he found a way to the 108th overall pick, he certainly will be a name on the Vikings’ radar next weekend.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.