Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say?

VikingsBoss
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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Mar 28, 2019 10:05:24 GMT -6 via mobile Danchat likes this

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Post by VikingsBoss on Mar 28, 2019 10:05:24 GMT -6

Mar 28, 2019 5:42:10 GMT -6 diehardtwinsfan said:

So what do people think about Tyler Conclin being able to step up? he showed well against the Dolphins but not really much anywhere else. Then again, he wasn't on the field much either.

2 catches is showing well? Granted it's his career high, so it's good for him. Basically, he didn't drop a pass when he was 20 yards clear of the defense... which I am willing to bet anybody could do, with the possible caveat that anyone else may have been covered because the defense could have conceived of them catching a pass...while a guy with three receptions may not engender the same respect.

Conklin had opportunities last season to show what he could do, with Morgan missing five games, and the Vikings apparent solution to not having Morgan wasn't playing Conklin, it was just not bothering to play two tight ends...that doesn't speak well of him.

And, that Dolphins game that could have been his breakout? He didn't do anything against Detroit and Chicago-not a catch, not even a target.

The Vikings need a third receiver, a guy who can catch 50 passes a year-one or two a game until someone bottles up Thielen and Diggs then they explode for six or seven with the favorable matchup. Treadwell isn't that guy, and no, Wright wasn't that guy either, nor Aldrick Robinson. Until they do, stopping Diggs and Thielen will leave only Rudolph and he probably can't be counted on to take over more than one game a year ala Detroit.

They'll probably have to unearth that guy with a good draft pick like they did Diggs. I like Antoine Wesley out of Texas Tech or Anthony Johnson out of Buffalo as guys who could possibly fit that mold...bigger physical guys. Or, if you want speed, Andy Isabella out of UMass is an intriguing prospect-he's only 5'9", but he's a sub 4.4 burner.

Last Edit: Mar 28, 2019 10:06:00 GMT -6 by VikingsBoss

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Purple Pain
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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Apr 24, 2019 10:28:31 GMT -6

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Post by Purple Pain on Apr 24, 2019 10:28:31 GMT -6

Hasan: Vikings pre-draft mailbag

What type of WR3 would you target? Smaller, slot sized or big-bodied? Any WR’s you like mid to late draft?

— Bob S.

The size would be less important to me than deep capability. I think the Vikings have receivers that can do it all, but the area they could improve in is speed. With both Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen running 4.45 or faster in the 40, they’re clearly not slow — but none alter the geometry of the defense in the way that Tyreek Hill can or Desean Jackson has in the past.

They both play well in the slot and both are top 10 in contested catch win rate, so targeting slot guys or big body guys wouldn’t help as much. Guys like Andy Isabella early or Mecole Hardman, Emanuel Hall and Terry McLaurin in the middle of the draft could do it, as could late-round guys like Boston College’s Jeff Smith or Auburn’s Darius Slayton.

Which positions are deepest in this draft? Which ones could you see the Vikings drafting even if they don’t have a need for starters at the positions?

— Greg G.

Right now there are about 18 receivers ranked between 26th and 150th on the Consensus Big Board, more than any other position. Not only that, there seem to be receivers in every pick slot range, with five ranked between 26th and 40th and six between 71st and 100th.

There seem to be a dearth of edge defenders in the late first and early second, but by the time the third round rolls around, we’ll likely start seeing another run, with about seven players slotted to go between the late third and early fourth round.

The sneakily deep position is cornerback. There aren’t many in the top tiers, but as the draft goes on, a number of cornerbacks look to be available in Day 2. On average, between ranks 41 and 100, there’s a cornerback every 6.7 players. Expect the Vikings to invest there, especially if they’re considering a trade.

Link: theathletic.com/937400/2019/04/22/vikings-pre-draft-mailbag-a-trade-idea-best-case-scenario-at-no-18-and-more/

Last Edit: Apr 24, 2019 10:28:50 GMT -6 by Purple Pain

mansquatch
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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Apr 25, 2019 7:42:46 GMT -6

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Post by mansquatch on Apr 25, 2019 7:42:46 GMT -6

I think before round 4 or maybe even round 5 would be a mistake. There are other things they can do if a team is bracketing both Diggs and Thielen. If that is happening, then the Vikings should be running against a 7 man front, they should be able to punish that defense on the ground. (Why JDF couldn't figure this out I have no idea...) Also Cook is a threat catching the pass out of the backfield. Rudolph is also an option. This is one of the deepest interior OL drafts in a long time. I'd rather see them load up at this position in the mid-rounds for the future vs. blowing draft equity on a position that is not nearly as bare on the roster.

Frankly, I hated the Treadwell pick when they made it. WR is one of the most bust prone positions to draft and they could have used that pick in many other areas of need.

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Apr 25, 2019 13:33:29 GMT -6

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Post by Mondry on Apr 25, 2019 13:33:29 GMT -6

I think they do need a WR3 pretty badly, unless they draft Hockenson or Irv Smith. Aldrick Robinson stretched the field for us a little bit, a quick strike deep threat like that would be ideal cause you know Diggs and Thielan are going to eat up the majority of the targets. Even still, how many times was Treadwell the open guy and just dropped the pass? If teams sell out on Diggs and Thielan again, having a good 3rd WR out there who is reliable can make a huge difference. I love Rudolph but he isn't a difference maker anymore, he's not a threat the defense has to account extra attention too.

There are a lot of guys I'd take a chance on in the 2nd and 3rd, shouldn't touch um with the first though unless we're trading back to like #23-#26 and picking up an extra 3rd rounder for our troubles.

Last Edit: Apr 25, 2019 13:34:33 GMT -6 by Mondry

Funkytown Owner Purple Pain Big Dog Posts: 67,657 Likes: 31,578 Fan Since: 1998	Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? May 4, 2019 9:05:06 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Funkytown on May 4, 2019 9:05:06 GMT -6

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? May 30, 2019 20:05:01 GMT -6

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Post by Funkytown on May 30, 2019 20:05:01 GMT -6

Wasn't sure where to throw this, so I put it here.

Vikings Again Searching For Hidden Gems at Wide Receiver by Sam Ekstrom

Every NFL team aspires to find the next Adam Thielen, an in-state Division-II football star that climbed the ladder and turned into a handsomely-paid Pro Bowler.

But just because the Vikings already have a Thielen, doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to find another one. Their two undrafted free agent receivers both come from non-power conference schools in the FCS: Davion Davis from Sam Houston State and Alexander Hollins from Eastern Illinois.

Minnesota looks to continue its trend of filling out the receiver position with under-the-radar acquisitions. Thielen’s story is well-documented, Stefon Diggs was a fifth-round pick, Brandon Zylstra played Division-III football before playing in the CFL and landing with the Vikings, and Chad Beebe was a rookie tryout pickup from Northern Illinois.

And it wasn’t long ago that the Vikings carved out a starting role for Charles Johnson, a former seventh-round pick from Division-II Grand Valley State.

Is there another hidden gem in their midst in 2019?

“It’s probably one of the most hungry groups that I’ve been around, from the veterans down,” Thielen told Zone Coverage. “Guys want to get better, guys want to make plays, and it’s fun to be around a group of guys like that.”

Though it may seem like the Vikings have made the art of discovering unheralded receivers look easy, it’s not. Thielens don’t grow on trees.

Over the past 20 NFL seasons, there have been just 56 undrafted receivers to debut and go on to amass 1,000 or more career receiving yards.

Link: zonecoverage.com/2019/featured/vikings-again-searching-for-hidden-gems-at-wide-receiver/

beckmt
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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? May 31, 2019 8:06:04 GMT -6

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Post by beckmt on May 31, 2019 8:06:04 GMT -6

I think how much a three wideout set is used will be based on two factors
1. Whether Kyle Rudolph is still here
2. If a clear #3 and or #4 wideout opens eyes in training camp.

One may have a definite impact on the other.

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? May 31, 2019 17:16:59 GMT -6

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Post by Danchat on May 31, 2019 17:16:59 GMT -6

May 31, 2019 8:06:04 GMT -6 beckmt said:

I think how much a three wideout set is used will be based on two factors
1. Whether Kyle Rudolph is still here
2. If a clear #3 and or #4 wideout opens eyes in training camp.

One may have a definite impact on the other.

Here's your unfortunate reminder that Treadwell has won the #3 WR job the past two seasons due to his great play in training camp!

All indications seem to be that Rudolph will be back. At this point it seems we'll either A) see him get an extension or B) the Vikings will restructure more contracts like Kendricks' (they are avoiding this due to putting more money on future seasons).

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 1, 2019 5:46:50 GMT -6 beckmt likes this

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Post by diehardtwinsfan on Jun 1, 2019 5:46:50 GMT -6

May 31, 2019 17:16:59 GMT -6 Danchat said:

May 31, 2019 8:06:04 GMT -6 beckmt said:

I think how much a three wideout set is used will be based on two factors
1. Whether Kyle Rudolph is still here
2. If a clear #3 and or #4 wideout opens eyes in training camp.

One may have a definite impact on the other.

Here's your unfortunate reminder that Treadwell has won the #3 WR job the past two seasons due to his great play in training camp!

All indications seem to be that Rudolph will be back. At this point it seems we'll either A) see him get an extension or B) the Vikings will restructure more contracts like Kendricks' (they are avoiding this due to putting more money on future seasons).

I would think they could run just as many 2 TE sets and simply avoid using the 3rd WR. That makes a ton of sense, especially in early downs.

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 1, 2019 5:58:25 GMT -6

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Post by beckmt on Jun 1, 2019 5:58:25 GMT -6

Jun 1, 2019 5:46:50 GMT -6 diehardtwinsfan said:

May 31, 2019 17:16:59 GMT -6 Danchat said:

Here's your unfortunate reminder that Treadwell has won the #3 WR job the past two seasons due to his great play in training camp!

All indications seem to be that Rudolph will be back. At this point it seems we'll either A) see him get an extension or B) the Vikings will restructure more contracts like Kendricks' (they are avoiding this due to putting more money on future seasons).

I would think they could run just as many 2 TE sets and simply avoid using the 3rd WR. That makes a ton of sense, especially in early downs.

You will want to run a lot of the same plays from different personal packages.

Purple Pain
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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 2, 2019 12:12:50 GMT -6

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Post by Purple Pain on Jun 2, 2019 12:12:50 GMT -6

Fantasy related, but ...

NFC NORTH DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

Olabisi Johnson, Minnesota Vikings, WR

We’re digging deep into the mines for the selection of seventh-round pick Olabisi Johnson. Johnson was log-jammed during his college career behind NFL players Michael Gallup and Preston Williams.

It will also be hard for him to secure a starting job in his rookie season behind Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and the rest of the wide receiving corp in Minnesota. He was able to contribute and be productive throughout his college career as a number two receiver behind Gallup and Williams. Besides concerns about his speed at the NFL level, there are not too many knocks in Johnson’s game. Speed is not the be-all-end-all. He has shown soft, natural hands and the ability to find space against zone coverage.

Besides Laquon Treadwell, the rest of the receivers Johnson will be competing against are undrafted players that are not proven, Johnson can easily vault himself into playing time with a good preseason. A deep sleeper indeed, but being able to find value late in your rookie draft can mean the difference in your season.

Some notable names graced us in this edition of “Diamonds in the Rough.” My draft strategy in any league I play in, never reach for a player. Allow the draft to play out and take the best player available when your turn rolls around. The reality with this set of rookies is that you may have to reach for a Riley Ridley or Dexter Williams. The odds are stacked against them in their rookie year because of the depth at their position on their teams. But when it comes to your rookie draft you should be playing for the long-game by their sophomore year these two, in particular, should be contributing for their NFL teams and yours as well.

Link: dynastyfootballfactory.com/nfc-north-diamonds-in-the-rough/

Purple Pain Hall of Fame Nominee Posts: 8,733 Likes: 2,877	Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 3, 2019 14:20:48 GMT -6 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Purple Pain on Jun 3, 2019 14:20:48 GMT -6

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 3, 2019 17:39:48 GMT -6

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Post by Danchat on Jun 3, 2019 17:39:48 GMT -6

Well, he seems to fit the need of an outside receiver who has the height and 50-50 catch ability that I was looking for in a 3rd WR (basically what Bustwell was supposed to be). He is coming off double hip surgery, which was probably why few NFL teams were interested in him... he's not a bad depth WR but I don't think he'd be a great #3.

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 3, 2019 21:48:45 GMT -6 via mobile Funkytown likes this

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Post by VikingsBoss on Jun 3, 2019 21:48:45 GMT -6

Jun 3, 2019 17:39:48 GMT -6 Danchat said:

Well, he seems to fit the need of an outside receiver who has the height and 50-50 catch ability that I was looking for in a 3rd WR (basically what Bustwell was supposed to be). He is coming off double hip surgery, which was probably why few NFL teams were interested in him... he's not a bad depth WR but I don't think he'd be a great #3.

He's always struck me as a #4, but with more playing time and extra targets? I like his chances of being more productive than a Treadwell, or even Aldrick Robinson. Maybe a 35 catch guy. I definitely like his height, at 6'5" he really gives this offense a dimension they haven't had in a wideout for a long while. It's almost like having a more athletic version if Rudolph. He won't catch everything like Kyle, but he gives you a huge target to take a shot at. I saw him a lot in college, he can really go get the ball.

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Do the Vikings really need a WR3 as badly as people say? Jun 4, 2019 8:52:33 GMT -6

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Post by Funkytown on Jun 4, 2019 8:52:33 GMT -6

Jun 3, 2019 21:48:45 GMT -6 VikingsBoss said:

Jun 3, 2019 17:39:48 GMT -6 Danchat said:

Well, he seems to fit the need of an outside receiver who has the height and 50-50 catch ability that I was looking for in a 3rd WR (basically what Bustwell was supposed to be). He is coming off double hip surgery, which was probably why few NFL teams were interested in him... he's not a bad depth WR but I don't think he'd be a great #3.

He's always struck me as a #4, but with more playing time and extra targets? I like his chances of being more productive than a Treadwell, or even Aldrick Robinson. Maybe a 35 catch guy. I definitely like his height, at 6'5" he really gives this offense a dimension they haven't had in a wideout for a long while. It's almost like having a more athletic version if Rudolph. He won't catch everything like Kyle, but he gives you a huge target to take a shot at. I saw him a lot in college, he can really go get the ball.

Well, who do you guys like at #3?

Outside of Hercules Mata'afa, this guy is getting the most offseason love (maybe because everyone is sick of Treadwell ... not sure).