7 prospects the Vikings need to monitor at the 2020 Combine
By Dean Jones
Trishton Jackson – WR (Syracuse)
Although touted by most as a Day 2 prospect, Trishton Jackson has all the tools required to be a success in the NFL at a position where the Vikings need to add depth.
The Michigan State transfer enjoyed a breakout campaign for Syracuse in 2019 on his way to 1,023 yards on 66 receptions. He also managed to contribute 11 touchdowns and boast an impressive 15.5 yards per catch average.
Jackson would provide Minnesota with a strong presence in the slot alongside their star receiving duo, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Jackson has great hands and although his route running needs improvement, he is sure to stand out at the Combine given his initial quickness and outstanding coordination.
The Vikings may opt to address the defensive needs in the secondary or give Kirk Cousins more protection with their early-round draft picks this year. So picking up someone of Jackson’s quality in the third or fourth round is a realistic possibility and one that would further boost the offense.
Jackson has just one season of elite production and he is striking while the iron is hot by foregoing his senior year to try to make it in the NFL. What Minnesota must decipher is whether he will be a dependable receiver at the next level. They also need to figure out how his versatility can be of use to an offense that became very predictable last season once defenses managed to thwart the threat posed by Dalvin Cook.
How Jackson tests during the evaluation process will go a long way to determining where he is going to be drafted. Given what he achieved in 2019, it would not be a surprise to see a team fall in love with him this week.