Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) catches a pass against the New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
A new third wide receiver will join the Minnesota Vikings for the 2024 campaign. It’s evident that the Vikings were prepared to allow K.J. Osborn accept a $4 million, one-year contract with the New England Patriots. Along with opting not to pick any receivers, Minnesota signed Trent Sherfield to a one-year contract worth little more than the minimum, demonstrating their confidence in their own players.
The receiving corps has received a lot of fresh looks at starting positions as a result of Justin Jefferson’s decision to work out independently and forego OTAs (this was predicted, don’t worry). Many Vikings beat writers have stated that second-year receiver Jordan Addison has performed like a No. 1, while a 2022 sixth-round choice of the Vikings is seeing first-team action further down the depth chart.
The Vikings Receiver Who Is Expected to Break Out in 2024: Jalen Nailor has been dividing his first-team work with the other receivers. He was included as one of the receivers on the list in a story by Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis regarding his observations on OTAs.
Selected from Michigan State, the Vikings’ selection of Nailor would be extremely significant for a weak 2022 draft class. Although Andrew Booth and Lewis Cine will compete for roster places, that draft class appears to have a strong offensive class. The potential for a Nailor breakout, Ed Ingram, and Ty Chandler could be what keeps Kewsi Adofo-Mensah’s first draft class afloat.
Despite having only 12 catches for 208 yards and one score in his first two years of play, his stats are by no means spectacular, but head coach Kevin O’Connell has praised him at every turn. O’Connell said this after Nailor recovered from a few injuries last year.
Yes, I believe you’ve always understood how thrilled I am about Jalen and how well he fits into our offensive scheme. We can honestly use him at two or three locations because he is a Swiss Army type player. In addition, his development as a route runner and his ability to prevail against man
Powell and Nailor will square off as a real wide receiver-three, and each will be given every chance to succeed at the position. The Vikings routinely dive deep into their receiving corps throughout the season, whether because of injuries or play calling, so whoever doesn’t land the third receiver spot will still see a lot of action. This year, both of them will play a lot. Nailor is a player to keep an eye on during training camp and the preseason. If he starts to make plays, he might be a terrific late-round pick in larger fantasy football tournaments.
