Minnesota Vikings: Predicting wide receiver depth chart for 2020

Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson are essentially the only two wide receivers guaranteed a spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster this season. Tajaé Sharpe stands a good chance, of course. But considering he’s aboard on a mere one-year, $1 million contract, automatically guaranteeing him a roster spot at this point is a bit premature.

Minnesota Vikings

Again, six is the number we’re gunning for here in these very early predictions:

1. WR 1: Adam Thielen
2. WR 2: Tajaé Sharpe
3. WR 3 (slot): Bisi Johnson
4. WR 4: Justin Jefferson
5. WR 5: Quartney Davis
6. WR 6: K.J. Osborn

Keep in mind, this would be a Week 1 projection. Most would be correct in assuming the Vikings want Jefferson to be the No. 2 guy opposite Thielen. But that might not happen out of the gate when the regular season kicks off, and Minnesota might want to put a veteran presence out there early until Jefferson finds his roots.

Same goes for slot duties, too, although it wouldn’t be shocking to see a player like Davis assume that role at some point this upcoming year.

It’s also important to note offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak won’t deploy the traditional WR1, WR2, slot, WR4 formations many other coordinators feature. Kubiak’s tendencies can place boundary wideouts on inside routes, while slot receivers can run sideline go routes. So don’t get too locked into the specific roles, rather just consider the very-early pecking order.

As with anything, the lineup and depth chart will be fluid for the Minnesota Vikings, particularly with so many fresh faces. And training camp will also provide plenty of additional evidence to suggest how the depth chart pans out in 2020.