5 wide receivers the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Matt Falk
Jalen Hurd (Baylor)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 226 pounds
2018 Stats:
- 69 catches, 946 yards (13.7 average), 4 touchdowns
Jalen Hurd will be a fun prospect for people to keep their eyes on in the mid-rounds of the 2019 draft.
Hurd spent the first half of his college career as 1,000-yard rusher for Tennessee before he transferred over to Baylor to play wide receiver. During his lone season at Baylor he was used in a variety of ways. He lined up in the slot, on the outside and yes, even at running back.
So while his time at Baylor was limited, he made his dent as the team’s leading receiver in 2018. Plenty of people questioned his decision to transfer, but Hurd more than proved that he has what it takes to play wide receiver.
At his size, he will be a mismatch for smaller cornerbacks in the NFL, offering a needed big target for Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. He is the type of guy Minnesota would be able to play around with as far as where he lines up on the field. But when all is said and done, Hurd will most likely find his role as a possession receiver.
Even with all of his upside, he does have a ways to go with his transition to become a full-time receiver. Hurd still has plenty to learn regarding the receiver position and it will take some patience before he can be relied on week in and week out in the NFL.