4 Vikings rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2021
By Dean Jones
Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR
Although Ihmir Smith-Marsette comes to the Vikings as a fifth-round pick, there are some who think he could become the No. 3 option at wide receiver for next season that the team is looking for.
The status of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson at the top of Minnesota’s receiver depth chart is unquestioned at this juncture. But who gets the chance to pick up some of the slack behind them is still up in the air.
Smith-Marsette has plenty of likable traits to call upon, with his ability as a kick returner being something else that could be of use during his initial transition to the professional ranks. However, if the Vikings are simply hoping he can hit the ground running and be a third option behind their star wideout duo, they might be out of luck.
That’s not to say it’s impossible by any stretch of the imagination. But there is some clear work to be done if Smith-Marsette wants to realistically achieve this feat as a rookie in 2021.