The Vikings’ Pass Catcher is “Bulkier” But Still Has Much to Prove in 2025
Ask Justin Jefferson: the Vikings’ pass catcher has come back “bulkier.”
To be sure, there has been word about Jalen Nailor’s investment in his body during the offseason at other times — he’s possibly the WR2 for a stretch — but seeing the WR1 describe the reality is notable. Jefferson, after all, is Minnesota’s cornerstone player. Any chance Minnesota’s more muscular WR3 has a breakout year ahead?
The Vikings’ Pass Catcher is “Bulkier”
Jalen Nailor and the Challenge Ahead in 2025
To a certain extent, the breakout season has already occurred.
Mr. Nailor had a very slow start to his career, partly due to injury issues. As a rookie, Nailor was involved in fifteen games but didn’t start any. He picked up 13 targets, translating those opportunities into 9 receptions for an explosive 179 yards and 1 touchdown. His encore didn’t go very well, mostly because of only getting into six games. His 6 targets turned into 3 catches for 29 scoreless yards.
In 2024, however, Jalen Nailor did some really good work. The WR3 had 42 targets from Sam Darnold. Tally up the final stats and he was sitting on 28 catches, 414 yards, and 6 scores. Do note, as well, that 22 of his 28 catches went for first downs.
The key at this stage is going to rest in being his explosive self from within a loaded Vikings offense. All of Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson are going to demand more targets. Last year, Aaron Jones earned more targets, as well. Nailor could realistically end up being the fifth option, at least in terms of how many times J.J. McCarhy throws him the ball.
A key detail for Mr. Nailor is going to rest in what he does without the ball. More specifically, can he take the next step as a blocker? Adding the muscle is a good thing but the hope is that it will translate into being able to push back defensive backs. Jefferson even hints at needing to take on defensive linemen — picture coming down to chip a defensive end — from time to time.
Furthermore, Jalen Nailor is going to keep seeing a boost due to his ability to be a versatile player. Last season, the receiver was out wide for 327 snaps and in the slot for 294 snaps. Almost an equal split. Plus, he was in the backfield for 5 snaps. Being able to offer an even better degree of versatility will contribute toward him being a key part of the game plan on Sunday.
The 26-year-old pass catcher is entering the fourth season of his NFL career. In other words, he’s working in the final year of his rookie contract. The cap charge sits at an affordable $1,145,165 for the season. Pretty modest, all things considered.
Seeing Nailor even replicate last year’s performance will mean that a decent raise is waiting for him in free agency in 2026. Bettering his production will make the payday even more lucrative. He’ll be hoping that his offseason work factors into the mix by allowing him to shine brighter than before.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
