ESPN analyst shows the Vikings some love after a major loss
The Minnesota Vikings are staring down the barrel at a challenge they haven’t faced in nine years: find production at wide receiver without Adam Thielen. Replacing Thielen on the field will be difficult enough, but his locker room presence will almost certainly leave a void heading into the 2023 season. However, there isn’t a team […]
The Minnesota Vikings are staring down the barrel at a challenge they haven’t faced in nine years: find production at wide receiver without Adam Thielen.
Replacing Thielen on the field will be difficult enough, but his locker room presence will almost certainly leave a void heading into the 2023 season. However, there isn’t a team in the league that will feel sorry for the Vikings. And why would they?
Justin Jefferson has established himself as the sport’s top receiver. K.J. Osborn, whose ability was masked with Thielen ahead of him on the depth chart, is poised for a breakout season. Oh, and Minnesota used their first-round pick on USC standout Jordan Addison to round out the bunch.
With Kirk Cousins under center, this Vikings passing offense remains one of the league’s most potent. But where does the Vikes’ group of wideouts rank in the league? ESPN’s NFL analyst Mike Clay released his rankings on Monday.
Minnesota checks in on 10th at the list, almost primarily because of Jefferson. Osborn, Addison, Powell and Reagor are rather unproven, though some have spent more time in the NFL than others. But if Addison lives up to his draft billing, it’s hard to argue against this Vikings group.
Plus, it’s possible the Vikings aren’t done assembling its cast pf pass catchers. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is facing a couple of difficult decisions involving two of the team’s stars which could free up more salary cap space to ink a playmaker.
Entering 2023, Vikings fans should feel confident in this bunch. Jefferson will take plenty of attention away from the younger players, which gives them opportunities to grow in one-on-one situations down the field. So, while Thielen’s absence will be felt, it doesn’t mean that the Vikings receivers can’t top last year’s output by any means.
