Vikings Linked to WR Bruce Ellington by NFL.com
By Ben Gotz
Jan 1, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) makes a fourth-down catch in front of Wisconsin Badgers safety Dezmen Southward (12) in the third quarter as the South Carolina Gamecocks beat the Wisconsin Badgers 34-24 in the Capital One Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The wide receiver class of this year’s NFL draft is purported to be one of the deepest in years, and it appears that the Vikings may want to get in on the action.
The Vikings have visited or worked out with former South Carolina wide receiver Bruce Ellington, according to NFL.com.
Ellington is a smaller wide receiver, listed at only five-feet-nine inches and 197 pounds, and he does not have elite speed either, with a 40 time of 4.55. Nevertheless, he has pretty reliable hands and can move when in open space, making him a potentially valuable receiver to have on a depth chart.
Ellington also has experience as a return man, and seemed to be a team leader on the Gamecocks according to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports. Perhaps most importantly, Ellingnton’s stats improved every year he played football, after originally committing to South Carolina to be a point guard in basketball.
His junior year, Ellington had 49 catches for 775 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ellington has NFL bloodlines as well, as his cousin Andre is currently a running back for the Arizona Cardinals. If Andre’s name doesn’t sound familiar, the image of his dreadlocks being pulled out in a pile might ring a bell.
Ellington is currently projected to be a mid round pick, and he is the No. 14 wide receiver in this draft class according to CBS Sports.
Ellington is the first wide receiver from this draft class to be linked to the Vikings this offseason. For a full list of prospects the Vikings have interest in (minus quarterbacks), check out my updated article here.
In a draft class this deep at wide receiver, it’s no surprise the Vikings are checking out potential targets, even though it’s no longer a big position of need. While the top of the depth chart seems set with Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson, the bottom is a lot more murky.
While the team resigned Jerome Simpson this offseason, the team could look to draft his replacement this year. The team probably is hoping to acquire a wide receiver who can mimic Simpson’s production as a fourth passing option, just without all the headaches.
What do you think Vikings fans? Do you think Ellington would be a good addition to this offense? How early can you see the Vikings taking a wide receiver? Sound off in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter @Goatman102!