‘I’ve been one of Speedy’s biggest fans’ — Wes Phillips raves about emerging Vikings star from maligned 2022 NFL Draft class

Jalen Nailor has been the biggest surprise for the Vikings this season.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) scores on a touchdown pass as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) defends during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had the best history in the NFL Draft under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The biggest point of contention has been the 2022 class.

Right now, the Vikings have just two of their 10 picks from that draft, but one of those is emerging on the offensive side of the football. Jalen Nailor is having a breakout season in the final year of his contract. A sixth-round pick in 2022, it’s not a surprise that a player handpicked by wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell is thriving before the end of his rookie contract.

Wes Phillips raves about Jalen Nailor

Against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nailor had his best game as a professional football player. He caught five passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, thriving in gotta have it situations, helping the offense convert two fourth downs late in the game.

“Yeah, I’ve been one of Speedy’s biggest fans, really, since he’s been here,” said offensive coordinator Wes PhiIlips. “I saw this type of performance coming from him, it was just a matter of getting those ops, and being in the right place. He’s just a guy who consistently wins on tape in the pass game.”

You can see those wins consistently as well. He’s been dominating against all types of coverage, but there have been consistent misses either when he’s been thrown the football or being the second guy open when Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison got the ball instead. The reality is that head coach Kevin O’Connell is so good at his job that his impact is somewhat limited.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that can do that. And the ball found him not just kind of in rhythm, in stride, on some plays, but off schedule and makes a big play down the field,” said Phillips. “He’s a pro, he’s an unselfish guy.”

This is one of the biggest things about the Vikings’ offense. They have so many players who are able to get open with consistency and ease that a player like Nailor often gets overshadowed.

“I think the guys in that room understand that we have a good group and they see each other on tape and guys winning down the field and whatever their particular details, release plans all those types of things,” continued Phillips. “The guys in the room respect him, the guys on offense respect him. I certainly respect him, both as a professional and a worker.”

The Vikings are certainly enjoying Nailor’s great play right now, and it’s likely to continue over the next few weeks before he gets a well-deserved payday in free agency.

Related Articles