The Viking Age
FanSided

Lesser needs the Vikings could address with the 14th pick

By Nik Edlund

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 08: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is flagged for pass interference as he breaks up a pass intended for Jonathan Adams Jr. #9 of the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 08: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is flagged for pass interference as he breaks up a pass intended for Jonathan Adams Jr. #9 of the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Adam Thielen of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

Many Vikings fans would be shocked and maybe even dismayed if the team pulled the trigger on a first-round wide receiver for the second year in a row. They have two great ones on the roster with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson and with huge needs on the offensive line and on defense, taking a wide receiver seems like a luxury pick that the team can’t afford.

Digging deeper into this position, the need is bigger than it appears to be at first glance. Adam Thielen isn’t getting any younger and will be 31 years old when the 2021 season starts. He is under contract for the next four seasons but his cap hit is quite huge. It’ll be interesting to see what his future with the team looks like and when he’ll be offered the chance to restructure or be cut.

The depth behind Thielen and Jefferson is also concerning. The Vikings have Chad Beebe who did fine with his role as a slot guy but he isn’t going to get more than 30 receptions a season. Bisi Johnson took a step backward in year two and he looks like a solid depth piece at best. KJ Osborn didn’t get a sniff at wide receiver and may not even make the team in 2021.

So the need is there and if a player like Devonta Smith or Ja’Marr Chase shockingly falls to pick 14, the team shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger. They should even consider Jaylen Waddle who could solve their need for a return man as he acclimates to the NFL game.

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