Will the Vikings Draft a Wide Receiver Early in the 2018 Draft?
Stephen_Nolan
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There are not enough superlatives to describe the performances of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen in 2017. Both wide receivers put up big numbers, caught game changing passes, and were among the top echelon of receivers in numerous categories, such as contested catches. They will undoubtedly be the Vikings 1-2 punch at WR in 2018 barring unforeseen circumstances, such as injury (please no). However, with the recent departure of Jarius Wright to the Carolina Panthers on a 3-year deal, it begs the question – will the Vikings draft a wide receiver early in the 2018 draft?
Before jumping to dismiss the idea simply because of Diggs and Thielen’s presence on the roster, recall that roughly 12 months ago – following Diggs posting 903 yards (more than he did in 2017) and Thielen managing 967 yards – Rick Spielman made an aggressive multi-year bid to bring Alshon Jeffery to the Vikings, with Jeffrey ultimately turning down the offer to join the Philadelphia Eagles on a one year deal. Are the Vikings really in such a stronger position at WR than they were 12 months ago, to the point where we can dismiss the idea that Spielman would be willing to invest an early draft pick in the position?
The Vikings new franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins spreads the ball around as much as any signal caller in the league, and there is no clear cut WR3 on the roster at this point in time. Former first round pick Laquon Treadwell has brought in 21 catches in two years, and despite the hope that he will turn it around, we have no clear evidence that he’ll be able to be successful in the NFL. At some point, potential means nothing, and if Treadwell doesn’t perform a remarkable turnaround in 2018, he’ll join Cordarrelle Patterson as a recent first round wideout that never lived up to his billing. Beyond Treadwell, the Vikings have Stacy Coley, Cayleb Jones, and Brandon Zylstra rounding out the WRs on the roster at this point in time. In other words, the WR3 position is up for grabs.
It’s clear to most that the Vikings have a bigger need on the offensive line than they do at WR, and there are questions about the depth of the Vikings secondary and defensive line still. But don’t be surprised if the Vikings opt to bring in a shiny new toy for Cousins late on day 1 or early on day 2 of the 2018 draft.