Minnesota Vikings draft: Five potential WR targets
By Dan Zinski
1. Josh Doctson (6-2, 202)
Indications are that the Vikings have zeroed in on Josh Doctson as their number one target in the draft. Doctson has good size at 6-2, 202 and his combine performance showed that he possesses plenty of athleticism. Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com praises Doctson for his ball skills and hands but wonders if he has the toughness to go over the middle. If you’re a Pro Football Focus fan, you’ll be interested to note that PFF gave Doctson the top receiving grade of all the wide-outs in college football last year.
NFL Mocks likes Doctson’s talent but wonders if he’s fast enough to be a true #1. NFL Draft Geek notes that Doctson ran a limited route tree in college. USA Today says Doctson is not explosive and has trouble beating press coverage. Via USA Today:
"Doctson is the kind of receiver who excels at contested catches to the point where the endless stream of highlight reel grabs can easily make you forget about the aspects of the position he hasn’t mastered yet. While understandable, Doctson’s all-around game hasn’t reached the jaw-dropping status of many of his receptions at TCU."
More than a straight-line speed receiver, the Vikings need a player like Doctson who can out-leap/out-fight cornerbacks and bring down the ball. It’s legitimate to be concerned about Doctson’s lack of experience at running a wide variety of routes.