The Vikings have found their WR3 [Reid between the Lines]
Joe Johnson
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Let’s Reid between the lines…
For several years, Vikings fans have called on GM Rick Spielman to secure a true #3 wide receiver. You can never count out a blockbuster move by Spielman, but all indications say Chad Beebe has already taken that role.
Before looking at Beebe, it’s important to understand how many capable pass catchers the Vikings have in starting and second-string roles. Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Irv Smith Jr., Tyler Conklin, Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, and Even C.J. Ham are sure-handed and skilled when the ball comes their way. With that in mind, the team doesn’t need an ELITE wide receiver three.
Beebe isn’t flashy, but he is a great third wide receiver for the Vikings. At WR3, you really just need someone competent enough to catch a couple passes every game and demand attention from the defense. Beebe fits this to a T.
In college at Northern Illinois, Beebe didn’t blow scouts away with gaudy numbers. He saw his best year as a senior – 417 yards and one touchdown, and his four year collegiate total was less than 1000 receiving yards. In three years with the Vikings, he’s only crept up to 310 yards. But many of those yards have come on crucial third downs, and his workload has grown each year.
The 5’10”, 183 lb receiver does what coaches request and makes the most of every opportunity he gets. He’s just shifty enough to be troublesome for defenders, and he runs good routes – a big factor in his success on third downs. Best of all for Beebe is the trust and rapport he’s built with Kirk Cousins.
With Beebe’s skillset, work ethic, and reliability already on the roster, there’s no reason for Spielman to seek out an expensive upgrade at wide receiver three.
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