The Minnesota Vikings young and talented receivers could benefit from having a savvy veteran with character on the roster to help them develop as players.
The Vikings addressed a position of need with the 23rd pick in the 2016 NFL draft by selecting wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. While this helps fill the wide receiver void with another young and skilled player, this is an area that still needs experienced leadership.
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Mike Wallace was brought in last year to help stretch the field, something that didn’t go as planned and a player that just didn’t fit this team’s needs. On the current roster, the wide receiver group is full of young talent with potential to include the likes of Treadwell, Stefon Diggs and Charles Johnson. The most experienced player in this position is Jarius Wright with five years under his belt.
What this unit needs is a veteran that’s not expected to lead the team in receptions, but is there to provide some much needed leadership and take the young ones under their wing. Here’s a list of three experienced free agents that could help make a difference. These three were selected based off of solid careers and each continues to do amazing things in their communities. In other words they would make great mentors for the young and talented Vikings receiving corps.
Anquan Boldin
Coming fresh off winning the NFL Man of the Year award, Boldin would be a great locker room guy for this team on the offensive side of the ball. He’s a big target that can still get it done, specially in the Red Zone where the Vikings struggled mightily last year. Boldin is also one of the players mentioned as a comparison on draft night when Treadwell was picked by the Vikings.
Greg Jennings
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A familiar face in a familiar place. Greg Jennings had a two-year stint with the Vikings before playing with Miami last year. While his numbers are far from impressive at this stage of his career, his character and leadership still holds value. The Jennings’ still live in the Twin Cities and Greg was on KFAN a few weeks back and happened to mention that he would love to play for the Vikings again.
Andre Johnson
With his receptions and yardage cut in half while playing for Indianapolis last year, Johnson is still a big target that defenses need to account for. Johnson is known for all the time and money he spends to ensure that children of single-parent homes have what’s needed to get through and enjoy life.
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This is not a list of best available wide receivers. The Vikings were named 5th most talented team for 2016 recently so targeting the most talented Free Agents is not this team’s number one concern. Coach Zimmer is a man of character, something he demands from his players as well. Even if one of the mentioned above fails to play an entire season, their mentorship on the sidelines would be invaluable. The examples they would set off the field would also leave a lasting impression. Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below.