4 biggest Minnesota Vikings draft and UDFA steals in 2022
By Dean Jones
Jalen Nailor – WR
The Vikings have a crowded wide receiver room led by the Pro Bowl duo of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. They also have an emerging presence in K.J. Osborn, who proved a dependable weapon to call upon as the team’s No. 3 option in 2021.
With that being said, taking someone with the intriguing traits that Jalen Nailor brings to the table could prove to be a nice low-end selection from the Vikings when it’s all said and done.
The Michigan State product is a smooth route-runner with reliable hands. His ability to stretch the field is something else that could be of use, providing his transition is a smooth one.
Nailor ended his time with the Spartans with some career numbers of 37 receptions for 685 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 18.8 yards per catch and came up with plenty of memorable highlights that obviously didn’t go unnoticed by Minnesota’s scouts.
There are some things Nailor needs to improve. And learning to impact the game all over the field rather than just vertically would give him a better chance of making a name for himself right out of the gate.
This was a low-risk, high-reward pickup by the Vikings. Expecting immediate miracles from Nailor would be unrealistic, but there is nothing to suggest he cannot command his share of targets down the line.