Vikings 2022 draft pick in danger of losing job after minicamp

There is a John Fox quote where he said "You can't make the club in the tub" to the media during the preseason in 2014. One potential 53-man roster addition could be in danger of not making the Minnesota Vikings because of dealing with an illness.

Making a team while dealing with an injury or illness is tough. Unless a player is established in the league, was a top draft pick, or shows a ton of potential, it can be tough to recover from missing training camp and other parts of the preseason.

With training camp coming up and the preseason rapidly approaching, players on the roster bubble will need to make a good impression on their coaches if they hope to secure a spot on the 53-man team or practice squad.

Vikings 2022 draft pick in danger of losing job after minicamp

The Minnesota Vikings made a huge investment in their receiving corps this offseason when they signed Justin Jefferson to a massive contract extension. With Jefferson, Addison, and Powell returning for 2024, the unit looks strong.

However, depth is a bit of an issue. one pass catcher who flashed at times is Jalen Nailor. A sixth-round draft pick in 2022, Nailor has struggled to stay healthy and the 25-year-old Michigan State receiver may have trouble making the Vikings' roster this year.

Recently, Alec Lewis of The Athletic shared an observation from Minnesota's OTAs that Jalen Nailor was not in attendance. The team shared that his absence from team activities was due to illness and that got Lewis thinking about Nailor's position with the team this season.

" “Jalen Nailor, who was one of the more impressive Vikings performers throughout the first few organized team activities, was not present this week. The Vikings said he missed workouts due to an illness. Absences have been a theme for the 2022 sixth-round pick, who lost time last year because of a lower-leg injury and concussion. His uncertainty also raises a question: Do the Vikings need another receiver beyond Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield?""

- Alec Lewis of The Atlantic

Nailor played in 21 games for Minnesota over the last two seasons, starting one of those contests. He has 12 total receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown. 2023 only saw him play in six games and catch three passes, seemingly taking a step back in production and effectiveness.

In order to be a productive and effective wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Jalen Nailor will need to be able to take the field and show why he deserves to take a roster spot over the other young pass catchers this preseason.

Hopefully Jalen Nailor can get well soon and help add depth to the Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver room.