Vikings Draft Needs - Late Round Gems?
Feb 10, 2023 16:42:32 GMT -6
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Post by Purple Pain on Feb 10, 2023 16:42:32 GMT -6
Tyler Ireland: Michael Wilson Could Become the Missing Piece In Minnesota's WR Puzzle
The Minnesota Vikings should take note of Stanford wide receiver Michael Wilson, who was one of the most impressive players at this year’s Senior Bowl. Despite sub-par quarterback play in Mobile, Ala. Wilson finished the game with four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. A 44-yard touchdown reception he caught in double coverage encapsulated his standout performance. Jake Haener (Fresno State) made an ill-advised throw, but it showed just how much trust he had in Wilson to make a play.
It certainly helps that Wilson has a large catch radius. He’s 6’2”, 210 lbs. and projects to be an early Day 3 selection. Wilson is somebody any quarterback can trust to make a play in contested-catch situations. Furthermore, his size and ability to haul in those 50/50 balls is something the Vikings’ wide receiver group lacks.
We all know how spectacular Justin Jefferson is at making acrobatic catches, but the Vikings can’t expect him to be Purple Jesus every week. The T.J. Hockenson trade helped mitigate that problem by giving Kirk Cousins another big body to throw to, but Minnesota could use some more quality pass-catchers. Adam Thielen is a shell of his former self and may have played his last snap in Minnesota. Beyond that, the Vikings receiving corps is fairly limited in their abilities.
K.J. Osborn is a quality slot receiver, but his diminutive frame prevents him from being a true safety net for Cousins. Jalen Reagor is an athletic utility player, but he’s better suited to a reduced role. Jalen Nailor may be the fastest guy on the team, but does he have the strength to consistently beat press coverage? Height and weight is the common denominator between these three players. Wilson’s measurables would make him stand out in the Vikings’ wide receiver room.
Osborn, Reagor, and Nailor all have their own unique styles that make them stand out. Each player represents a different puzzle piece that makes up the Vikings’ wide receiving corps. Osborn is the slot guy, Reagor is the utility guy, and Nailor is the fast guy. However, there’s one piece of the puzzle missing. That’s the tall, lanky receiver who can make those contested catches. Wilson would be the final missing piece of the puzzle.
Additionally, Wilson fits the archetype that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks for in players. He was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of high school, a dual-sport athlete, and a top-35 player at his position. Just like rookies Lewis Cine and Brian Asamoah, Wilson also comes from an international background, which he takes pride in.
My dad is from Jamaica, born and raised, came here when he was in his mid-twenties. My mom’s from New Zealand, born and raised, came here when she was in her mid-twenties. When I grew up, football wasn’t really my main thing, I was [about] soccer and basketball. I started playing when I was seven, and it was actually because of my brother, who went to Michigan and introduced the game to me. And from there, it just kinda took off. I just think, like being able to be a foreign person, foreign genes, being able to play this game is special.
Wilson’s ascension shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who are familiar with him. In his interviews with scouts and reporters at the Senior Bowl, it quickly became apparent that he’s an absolute perfectionist. Wilson is a consummate professional with all the intangibles that teams look for.
It certainly helps that Wilson has a large catch radius. He’s 6’2”, 210 lbs. and projects to be an early Day 3 selection. Wilson is somebody any quarterback can trust to make a play in contested-catch situations. Furthermore, his size and ability to haul in those 50/50 balls is something the Vikings’ wide receiver group lacks.
We all know how spectacular Justin Jefferson is at making acrobatic catches, but the Vikings can’t expect him to be Purple Jesus every week. The T.J. Hockenson trade helped mitigate that problem by giving Kirk Cousins another big body to throw to, but Minnesota could use some more quality pass-catchers. Adam Thielen is a shell of his former self and may have played his last snap in Minnesota. Beyond that, the Vikings receiving corps is fairly limited in their abilities.
K.J. Osborn is a quality slot receiver, but his diminutive frame prevents him from being a true safety net for Cousins. Jalen Reagor is an athletic utility player, but he’s better suited to a reduced role. Jalen Nailor may be the fastest guy on the team, but does he have the strength to consistently beat press coverage? Height and weight is the common denominator between these three players. Wilson’s measurables would make him stand out in the Vikings’ wide receiver room.
Name Height Weight
K.J. Osborn 5′ 11″ 203 lbs.
Jalen Reagor 5′ 11″ 197 lbs.
Jalen Nailor 6′ 0″ 190 lbs.
Michael Wilson 6′ 2″ 210 lbs.Osborn, Reagor, and Nailor all have their own unique styles that make them stand out. Each player represents a different puzzle piece that makes up the Vikings’ wide receiving corps. Osborn is the slot guy, Reagor is the utility guy, and Nailor is the fast guy. However, there’s one piece of the puzzle missing. That’s the tall, lanky receiver who can make those contested catches. Wilson would be the final missing piece of the puzzle.
Additionally, Wilson fits the archetype that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks for in players. He was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of high school, a dual-sport athlete, and a top-35 player at his position. Just like rookies Lewis Cine and Brian Asamoah, Wilson also comes from an international background, which he takes pride in.
My dad is from Jamaica, born and raised, came here when he was in his mid-twenties. My mom’s from New Zealand, born and raised, came here when she was in her mid-twenties. When I grew up, football wasn’t really my main thing, I was [about] soccer and basketball. I started playing when I was seven, and it was actually because of my brother, who went to Michigan and introduced the game to me. And from there, it just kinda took off. I just think, like being able to be a foreign person, foreign genes, being able to play this game is special.
Wilson’s ascension shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who are familiar with him. In his interviews with scouts and reporters at the Senior Bowl, it quickly became apparent that he’s an absolute perfectionist. Wilson is a consummate professional with all the intangibles that teams look for.
... and neither is this Chris guy.