4 Vikings falling down the depth chart after Week 1 of the preseason

Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR

Prior to the preseason opener against the Broncos, Vikings rookie wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette was called a “good player” by Mike Zimmer. Some might view this as no big deal, but this label for a player is something that Zimmer hasn’t tossed out in the open very often during his tenure with Minnesota.

Unfortunately for Smith-Marsette, Zimmer’s recent compliment might have increased the expectations for the rookie just a little too much.

The former Iowa pass-catcher did have a nice kick return of 30 yards, but that was about his only highlight of the afternoon.

Smith-Marsette ended up being targeted six times against Denver, the most of any Vikings player in the matchup. However, the rookie only managed to haul in two of his targets for 12 yards thanks to drops and not sealing off the guy who was covering him.

Maybe it was the nerves of playing in his first NFL game inside U.S. Bank Stadium, but Smith-Marsette cannot keep performing like he did against the Broncos in his next two preseason appearances if he wants to be among Minnesota’s final 53 this year.