5 wide receivers the Vikings should target in the 2023 NFL Draft

Jacob Cowing (Arizona)

Following a breakout season at UTEP, Jacob Cowing made the leap to the Pac-12 at Arizona and has continued to impress. In his first seven games at a Power 5 program, Cowing has hauled in 53 catches for 737 yards and seven scores.

Despite the massive leap in competition, Cowing is on pace for his best NCAA season and has quickly risen in the draft community. He’s a shifty ball carrier that can do plenty of damage after the catch, which is why Arizona has used him so much in the short passing game.

Cowing will probably serve as a slot receiver that can dominate up the seam primarily. If the offense needs a spark, he will be a reliable screen game contributor with enough speed and twitch to create in space.

Waiting until the final day of the draft to address a clear need would be a mistake. However, adding Cowing after adding another wide receiver either in free agency or earlier in the draft could be a major upgrade for the depth at the position.

Minnesota needs playmakers all over the field to help open things up for the offense. The change in competition did not phase Cowing in college, so there is reason to believe he can adjust to the NFL when the time comes as well.