5 players the Vikings will regret passing on in the 2020 NFL Draft

Tyler Johnson – WR (Minnesota)

The Vikings addressed their need for a wide receiver when they took LSU’s Justin Jefferson with the 22nd selection in this year’s NFL Draft. That was a great move, but some believed Minnesota would use another mid-round pick on a receiver, as the bottom of their receiving depth chart was void of talent.

Tyler Johnson was a fan favorite heading into the draft. Not only is he a former Golden Gopher, but he’s an extremely talented wideout. He’s a physical pass-catcher who showed a knack for not just going up and battling for contested balls, but also coming down with them more times than not.

Johnson’s big frame and aggressive style would’ve been a nice addition to the Vikings receiving corps, giving them a weapon they don’t really have on the roster right now.

Minnesota was on the clock with the 10th pick in the fifth round this year. Surprisingly, Johnson was still on the board. But instead of taking him, the Vikings just traded down again.

This was frustrating to see as Minnesota already had a bunch of choices remaining in the draft. But it was revealed later they received a future fourth-round pick to move down. So while this move made sense, it cost them the chance to land Johnson.

He ended up coming off the board six picks later to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings actually ended up taking a receiver later that round in Miami’s K.J. Osborn, but he’s viewed as more of a return man.

Time will tell if Minnesota will regret passing on Johnson. The chances are very high though, as this is a talented player who demonstrated the traits of being an offense’s primary target in the passing game during his time with the Gophers.