6 wide receivers the Vikings could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Quentin Johnston (Texas Christian)

Measurements:

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 208 pounds

2022 Stats:

• 60 Receptions
• 1,069 Yards
• 6 Touchdowns
• 17.8 Yards Per Catch

The chances that the Minnesota Vikings pick star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of Ohio State are slim, as his draft stock is skyrocketing. But, while Smith-Njigba’s stock is rising, it appears that the stock of star receiver Quentin Johnston is plateauing, and even slowly dropping. This has nothing to do with Johnston’s ability though, just the mere fact that Smith-Njigba is the media darling (and for good reason).

Just a few months ago the thought of Minnesota landing Johnston would have been seen as a pipe dream, but the tide may be turning in the Vikings’ favor now. There have been mock drafts from experts that have placed Johnston as the pick at 23, adding fuel to the fire that he may be staying in purple from college to the pros. While these are just mock drafts and in no way a sure thing, it should be encouraging for Vikings fans that this may be more of a reality than previously believed.

Johnston would be the perfect compliment to a receiving core that already has Justin Jefferson, as he brings a big-bodied, vertical threat ability to go alongside Jefferson’s elite skillset in the short and intermediate parts of the field. Johnston also brings exceptional red-zone potential, as he posted a 40.5-inch vertical, making him a great jump ball threat. While Minnesota is certainly in need of help at other positions, if Johnston is there at 23 he’s almost certainly the pick for the Vikings.