Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Pre-training camp edition
By Adam Carlson
Wide Receivers (6)
Not a lot changed at wide receiver from last year. Big play receiver Aldrick Robinson is no longer with the team, so there will be a need for a change when it comes to some of the roles played by the pass catchers not named Thielen or Diggs.
Here are the players expected to make the roster from this positional grouping:
Of course, behind the two 1,000 yard receivers on the team’s roster, the depth gets really questionable. Of the rest of the pass catchers available, the player to have the most yards in a season is Laquon Treadwell at 302.
Treadwell is in limbo. The team declined his fifth-year option and his contract is guaranteed for this year. If the Vikings cut him, they only gain approximately $600K in salary cap room but would lose out on a potential compensatory pick if another team signs him to a decent deal after the 2019 season. On the other hand, even an amazing season is unlikely to save his hopes in Minnesota since the cost of keeping would be tough to match because of the cap situation.
Behind those three, there are a lot of unproven but talented wide receivers. Taylor, Beebe, and Zylstra show the most potential of the rest and are likely to see a spot on the team’s roster. Of course, those individuals will also be freed up to play special teams in order to earn a spot. Taylor is starting to flash in camp, and if he can keep it up he could surpass others on the depth chart quickly.
Frustratingly, both drafted wide receivers will be left to fight for a spot on the practice squad. However, this is the toughest group to project because of all the moving parts and players with so much to prove.
Barely missed the cut: Dillon Mitchell