5 biggest Vikings 2021 draft needs after first wave of free agency

Wide Receiver

The Vikings can definitely get by with the receivers they currently have on the roster. They have two great ones at the top in Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, but it’s the depth behind them that is the question.

There is Bisi Johnson, who failed to take a step forward in year two, and struggled early in the 2020 season. He did step up when needed later in the year, but he looks to be a solid fourth option, and not someone who should be depended on to contribute every week.

Minnesota did bring back Chad Beebe and he fills a role as an option working out of the slot in addition to being an emergency return man. There’s also K.J. Osborn on the roster. He is a longshot at best to make the team in 2021 after not being asked to do much as a receiver in his first year.

So with the studs at the top combined with factoring the tight ends and running backs as options in the passing game, the Vikings don’t necessarily have to add another pass catcher in this year’s NFL Draft. But they’d be wise to do so.

The problem and concern has to be if either Thielen or Jefferson gets injured next season. Minnesota would be in a world of hurt if Johnson or Beebe had to step up and take on a bigger role. That’s why using a fairly early draft pick on a talented receiver makes sense for the Vikings this year.

Minnesota has four picks in the fourth round and using one of them on a young pass-catcher who could provide a little more pop to the passing attack than Beebe or Bisi, would be a smart investment.