NFL draft rumors: Minnesota Vikings prefer Josh Doctson

The NFL draft is fast approaching and it appears the Vikings are very high on TCU WR Josh Doctson.

Have the Minnesota Vikings already made up their mind which receiver they want to draft with the #23 overall pick?

According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, the Vikings have indeed identified the one receiver they prefer over all the others. And it’s not a shocking name:

"It’s no secret that the Vikings need a starting wide receiver, and I’m told by a scout in the front office that they prefer TCU’s Josh Doctson in Round 1."

Miller also reports that drafting a running back is not a priority this year for Minnesota. There are some who think the Vikings might surprise everyone and take Alabama’s Derrick Henry in the first round, but according to Miller’s report, you can forget that.

To hear that Minnesota prefers Doctson should not really be a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. Doctson seems to fit the mold of what Minnesota needs: a tall, long, skilled receiver who has enough speed to be a downfield weapon.

Doctson seemed to fit that mold from day one, and nothing has happened to change that thinking. Doctson’s performance at the combine only re-affirmed his athleticism.

Of course there will still be those who argue that Laquon Treadwell would be a better pick for the Vikings, by virtue of his superior physicality. But really, is there that much separating Treadwell and Doctson at the end of the day?

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The true distinction is between Doctson/Treadwell and Corey Coleman/Will Fuller: the non-burners vs. the burners. A strong argument can be made that the Vikings aren’t set up offensively to take advantage of a pure speed receiver, and would be better off taking someone from the Doctson/Treadwell side of the menu.

Evidence is mounting that the pick will be Doctson, provided he is available at #23.