Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis
By Luke Sims
Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks (27) breaks up pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver: Mike Wallace, Charles Johnson, Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs
A group of six makes up the Minnesota Vikings receiving corps and all of them could get plenty of opportunities through the season.
While there’s a distinct emphasis on the running game with the talent that Adrian Peterson is, Teddy Bridgewater can certainly get the ball out to his playmakers on the wings and each one of these players could step up for the team if given opportunities.
Mike Wallace comes to the Vikings after some productive years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins. He hasn’t topped 1000 yards in three years, however, and will need to step up more for a team that doesn’t always pass 40+ times a game. Honestly, he was not particularly impressive through the preseason and in my mind has the most to prove in this group.
The more exciting option, to me, is Charles Johnson. Five catches on five targets for 41 yards and a touchdown through the preseason, Johnson could really step up as a prime receiver through the year.
One of the fastest groups around, the Vikings will look to capitalize on the big play ability of their receivers during the season. They are a reliable group on the whole, giving Bridgewater diverse options to work with.
A note needs to be made about Cordarrelle Patterson. He clearly needs to work on his game as a receiver. While he is undoubtedly a special teams threat, he has yet to really step up as a receiver and will likely be surpassed by the other five guys on this list as the season progresses (if he isn’t already). Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs seem like bigger threats than the dynamic Patterson.
The Minnesota Vikings have a strong receiver group, but it can get better with some players stepping up.
Next: Tight end proves valuable and well stocked