5 Vikings to watch heading into their 2019 training camp

Chad Beebe – WR

One player that many will have their eyes on is second-year wide receiver Chad Beebe. The Northern Illinois product came into the league with little fanfare last August but turned in a strong training camp performance that put him on the cusp of making the 53-man roster out of camp and earned him a spot on the Vikings’ practice squad.

After being called up prior to Minnesota’s Week 9 game against Detroit, Beebe recorded four catches for 39 yards in three games, but a hamstring injury put a wet blanket on any potential rookie impact.

In his second year with the Minnesota Vikings, Beebe walks into an opportunity to secure a bigger role in 2019. The team didn’t do anything drastic to improve the wide receiver corps a year after nobody stepped up outside of Diggs and Thielen. With Laquon Treadwell unlikely to have the light bulb turn on, Beebe has a great chance to make the team.

While Beebe can possibly make a run at the slot receiver position, he may also make a strong case to become the team’s punt returner in the wake of Marcus Sherels‘ departure. Beebe isn’t the fastest wide receiver on the field, but he’s shifty enough to make the right play in the same way PlayerProfiler comparison Wes Welker did during his 12-year career.

If Beebe can make an impact in either of those roles, it could be a good training camp for the 25-year old and a bigger 2019.