4 Vikings players who need to realize their potential in 2021
By Dean Jones
Chad Beebe – WR
The Vikings didn’t do much to address their need for a consistent wide receiver to put alongside Pro Bowl duo Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson this offseason. A couple of rookie receivers come with some potential, but asking them to do too much right away might have a detrimental impact on their early transition to the pros.
Although Chad Beebe went undrafted in 2018, he improved his game enough with Minnesota in 2020 to earn 27 targets, which resulted in 20 receptions for 201 receiving yards and one touchdown. This is a solid foundation from which to build and there appears plenty of talent there. But putting it all together in 2021 is absolutely imperative.
The first objective for Beebe this offseason is to make the No. 3 spot on the wide receiver depth chart his own. This can be done by catching the eyes of the coaching staff at training camp and making his time on the field during the preseason count when given the chance.
Once this is potentially secured, it will then progress to earning the trust of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, and he will become a valuable piece of the rotation.
Sounds easy, in theory. But the task awaiting the former Northern Illinois star is a steep one.
Minnesota needs somebody to step up and take some of the pressure off their supreme outside threats. Beebe might be a little undersized at 5-foot-10, but he could be the perfect slot weapon in 2021, providing the necessary adjustments are made this offseason.