7 wide receivers the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Garrett Wilson (Ohio State)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-0 | Weight: 192 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 70 catches
• 1,058 yards (15.1 YPR)
• 12 touchdowns

If the Vikings choose to go after a wide receiver with their first selection, Garrett Wilson appears to be the most likely option. Wilson was a star at Ohio State thanks to his ability to separate in short areas and extend plays with his twitchiness.

Wilson does not bring the monster size and freakish athleticism that you typically see out of top-15 picks, but he just does everything how you want. He dominates at the catch point, stretches the field, and can impact the game from pretty much anywhere on the field. Chris Olave, Wilson’s Ohio State teammate, is another candidate for the Vikings if they move down a bit in the draft.

Ohio State has developed too many star wide receivers to even count at this point and Wilson emerged as the latest first-round hopeful. His production in 2021 helped carry the Buckeyes’ offense with C.J. Stroud taking over at quarterback.

There is a lot of chatter about who will be the first wide receiver off the board, but Garrett Wilson is the guy that should hear his name first. He is tough over the middle and does have the ability to stretch the field vertically, but the majority of his touches have come from quick tosses and crossers that allow him to use his short-area speed to burn defenders.

As a polished route runner, Wilson is going to get his looks as he often separates at the top of his routes and gets where the ball is supposed to be on time. Concentration drops have been a bit of a factor for Wilson but not enough to deter him from being my WR1 in this class.