The Vikings’ Break-Glass-in-Case-of-Emergency Receiver Option
The Vikings’ break-glass-in-case-of-emergency receiver isn’t Keenan McCardell, the top-tier coach who spent an insanely impressive sixteen seasons in the NFL (883 catches, 11,373 yards, & 63 TDs; plus, a pair of PB trips and a SB).
Rather, one wonders about running back Zavier Scott, who currently looks to be in a good position to be Minnesota’s RB3. The beefy runner has soft mitts, showing quite a bit of poise when catching the ball before exploding into green grass to earn yards after the catch. Could he help to ease the receiver concerns in the early weeks of the season?
The Vikings’ Zavier Scott Has a Receiver Background
Admittedly, the proposed solution — leaning on Scott in the passing game — is far from ideal.
J.J. McCarthy is looking to get his NFL career off the ground. A major part of the strategy has involved ensuring that the sophomore has ample support. So, what’s all this business about asking the unproven 22-year-old to lean on a running back to help him acclimate to the NFL? Oh, and not just any running back, but one who has only ever been on an NFL practice squad.
All fair points. Do note, though, that we’re talking about things on an “emergency” basis. Not ideal, but a way to address the pass catcher issue without forfeiting a pile of assets.
Consider just a basic reality: Mr. Scott has a background as a receiver while in college. The team’s website explains that he was “both wide receiver and running back” in his final pair of collegiate seasons. And then the production: “In 2022, led the Black Bears in both receptions (42) and receiving yards (434), both which marked career highs, and averaged a league-high 9.3 yards per carry, recording 371 rushing yards on 39 attempts for four touchodwns [sic].”
Keep in mind, as well, that Zavier Scott wouldn’t be set adrift in the sprawling green grass of an NFL football field without any support.
Sure, the slow process behind Justin Jefferson’s hamstring recovery caused some concern in the Twin Cities, but the WR1 is healthy. At this stage, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be available for Week 1 onward. Just having Mr. Jefferson on the field means that Minnesota’s passing attack is going to be dangerous. On every single play, the defense is going to be looking to see where #18 is, thereby making life easier for every other Minnesota weapon.
Next up is tight end T.J. Hockenson alongside running back Aaron Jones. Neither (obviously) is a receiver but both are impact pass catchers. Partnering Jefferson with Hockenson is itself a nice one-two punch. Allowing Mr. Jones to jump into the mix makes things even more challenging for a defense.
Now, consider what else looks probable. Josh Oliver is going to be in the lineup. A hearty dose of the tight end twosome is dangerous. Oliver can block defenders into oblivion while catching 2-4 passes per game. One then thinks of running back Jordan Mason, a runner who can truck defenders while also catching the occasional pass from his young quarterback.
The depth receivers who could then make the team — foremost, Tai Felton, Tim Jones, Lucky Jackson, and Myles Price — may have some ability to shine early. Again, they don’t need to be world beaters. There’s a man named Justin Jefferson employed by the Vikings; his job is to be a world beater. These depth options just need to be average, pretty good, passable. Moreover, there’s always the chance that Jalen Nailor is ready to go, a possibility that would alleviate much of the anxiety.
When we survey that context, how do things look for Zavier Scott? In short, he could be a small piece of the puzzle. Offer scrappy, competitive, tough football for a few weeks. In Week 4, the reinforcements are going to arrive: Jordan Addison.
In the end, the Vikings could plausibly pull off a move to beef up their receiver depth (or lack thereof). In fact, NFL insider Tom Pelissero has confirmed Minnesota’s flirtations on the trade market.
Running back Zavier Scott appears to be trending toward a roster spot. If that comes to fruition, then maybe the runner who has picked up 4 catches for 55 yards in a pair of preseason games could help the aerial attack.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
