Vikings add dynamic speedster to 2023 wide receiver room
By Adam Patrick
At the top of the wide receiver depth chart for the Minnesota Vikings, Justin Jefferson is clearly in the No. 1 spot, and not a single soul on this planet would argue against that. As for the rest of the current Vikings wide receivers, there are a number of questions hovering around the group.
On Tuesday, Minnesota added another receiver to the mix in the form of former XFL pass-catcher Lucky Jackson. To make room for Jackson on the roster, the Vikings waived pass rusher Kenny Willekes.
Minnesota Vikings add a new wide receiver with serious speed and reliable hands
Jackson spent his college career at the University of Western Kentucky, and during his senior season in 2019, he accumulated 94 catches (eighth-most in the nation) for 1,133 yards and four touchdowns. At his Pro Day in 2020, the 6-foot, 191-pound receiver ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.36 seconds.
Since leaving Western Kentucky, Jackson had a brief stint in the CFL in 2022, and he was a member of the DC Defenders in the most recent XFL season. In 10 games for the Defenders, he caught 36 passes for 572 yards (15.9 average) and five touchdowns.
Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline described Jackson as a wide receiver with "reliable hands" who "plays smart football." Will these traits of his lead to him landing a spot on Minnesota's final 2023 roster?