NFL Draft 2022: What the Vikings can expect from their Day 3 picks
By Adam Carlson
Round 6: Jalen Nailor, WR – Michigan State
Another position that many fans would be drafted sooner, wide receiver finally got addressed with the team’s second sixth-round pick. Despite being in a spot to take some of the top talents at the position, they waited and got Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor.
It’s easy to see why the Vikings like Nailor. Even though he’s not a big-bodied pass catcher, the 5’11, 186-pound former Spartan more than earns his nickname of “Speedy” by zipping all over the field.
NFL.com comparison and projection: Quez Watkins (Round 6)
The Good
If the Vikings were looking for a lightning-quick player to stretch the field and create mismatches, they grabbed the right guy. His acceleration is absolutely amazing and has a great ability to stop and go at any time.
The Vikings could use some help with their receivers, but Nailor could earn his place on the 53-man roster based on his ability to return punts and play on special teams. He really is a Swiss army knife of a pick.
The Bad
Nailor struggles to stay on the field. Health issues sidelined him in 2018, 2019, and 2021 and physical corners tend to get the young receiver out of rhythm. Those reasons are why he essentially dropped so far in the draft.
Speaking of drops, there are also some instances of concentration causing dropped passes. He needs to focus on hauling in the catch before thinking about what to do next, especially when in traffic or during a contested catch.
What to Expect
If Jalen Nailor can’t crack the roster in any manner with this acceleration, he will likely land on the team’s practice squad. Since Minnesota’s depth at receiver isn’t excellent, there is a pretty solid chance he could crack the 53 and be used situationally or be a weekly inactive until ready.