Minnesota Vikings: Five potential late-round receiver targets

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver K.J. Maye of Minnesota (18) reacts after making a catch in a drill against the defense during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver K.J. Maye of Minnesota (18) reacts after making a catch in a drill against the defense during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

K.J. Maye – Minnesota

The Vikings had Golden Gophers receiver Maye in for a visit as part of last week’s top-30 event. Gopher fans obviously know all about Maye, but for those who don’t follow Minnesota college football, here’s the skinny: Maye didn’t do a whole lot for the Gophers his first three years, but he broke out last year as a senior with 73 catches for 773 yards and five touchdowns. That eye-opening surge in production is why he is now being discussed as a draftable prospect.

Maye obviously is not the biggest guy in the world, standing just 5-8 and weighing just 194 pounds. He also isn’t all that fast, nor is he especially quick, nor is he a good leaper. He’s well-built but his arms aren’t very long and his catch radius is somewhat limited. When Maye wins, he does so with precise route-running. Scouts like his toughness, tenacity and football intelligence.

Given his limitations, if Maye does have a place with the Vikings or any other NFL team, it’s as a slot receiver/special teams player. Considering the Vikings’ tendency to bring in Minnesota guys, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Maye end up on the team as a UDFA at least. He could very well catch on as a practice squad player.

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