{"id":66367,"date":"2019-06-05T15:18:18","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T19:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=66367"},"modified":"2021-03-14T15:39:38","modified_gmt":"2021-03-14T19:39:38","slug":"previewing-vikings-wide-receivers-tight-ends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/06\/05\/previewing-vikings-wide-receivers-tight-ends\/","title":{"rendered":"Previewing the Minnesota Vikings Wide Receivers and Tight Ends"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Vikings<\/a> wide receivers and tight ends are the clear-cut strength of the offense. The pass-catchers are incredible in Minnesota with a handful of quality contributors. They have talent on the outside, in the slot, and at tight end. Here is a preview of the Vikings wide receivers and tight ends for the 2019 season. Stick around for breakdowns of each player at the end.<\/p>\n

Taking a Look at the Minnesota Vikings Wide Receivers and Tight Ends<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Vikings enter the season with a great group of weapons in the passing game. Stefon Diggs<\/a><\/strong> and Adam Thielen<\/a><\/strong> both return after taking the league by storm. It is easily arguable that they are the best wide receiving tandem in the National Football League. The duo combined for 2,394 receiving yards on 215 receptions last season. They also hauled in 18 touchdowns in 2018. In 2017, the pair racked up 2,125 receiving yards on 155 combined catches. That was good for an average of 13.7 yards per reception. Their 2018 average was 11.1 yards per reception. Their targets jumped from 237 in 2017 to 302 in 2018. Over those two seasons, Diggs and Thielen had a catch rate of 68.6 percent.<\/p>\n

The battle for the third wide receiver spot is up for grabs as camp nears. Former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell<\/a><\/strong> will once again have to fight for an opportunity to start. His competition this year includes Chad Beebe<\/a><\/strong>, Brandon Zylstra<\/a><\/strong>, and Jeff Badet<\/strong>. All three were on the roster last season. Newcomers Jordan Taylor<\/a><\/strong>, Dillon Mitchell<\/strong>, and Olabisi Johnson<\/strong> also join the fight.<\/p>\n

The tight end room is a little stronger this season as well with the addition of Irv Smith Jr.<\/a><\/strong> through the draft. He joins Kyle Rudolph<\/a><\/strong> in the passing game. Also returning are David Morgan<\/a><\/strong> and Tyler Conklin<\/a><\/strong> who can help in other aspects of the offense. Morgan is an excellent blocker in the run game. He can contribute as a receiver, but they should focus on getting the ball to the other playmakers.<\/p>\n

What to Expect in 2019<\/h3>\n

Head coach Mike Zimmer has made it no secret that he wants to run the ball more next season. He brought in offensive mastermind Gary Kubiak<\/a><\/strong> to help out for that reason alone. Kubiak is known for his zone run scheme that has worked for so long. The Vikings drafted according to that as well, finding two offensive linemen who can be forces in a zone run with a nice blend of speed and power down the field. Garrett Bradbury and Dru Samia<\/a> <\/strong>have a chance to be special in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook<\/a><\/strong> has the talent to be a star, but the Vikings haven\u2019t run the ball enough during his young career. Minnesota also drafted running back Alexander Mattison<\/strong><\/a> to help out the run game in the third round.<\/p>\n

Still, Kirk Cousins<\/a><\/strong> was given a lot of money to throw the football. After a lackluster first season in purple, Cousins will be expected to deliver in 2019. He has the best pool of talent of his career. If things don\u2019t come together, he is going to be in some big trouble. Kevin Stefanski<\/strong> is now the full-time offensive coordinator after filling in at the end of last season. With a full summer to work with Cousins, the Vikings offense should expect a big jump forward.<\/p>\n

Diggs and Thielen will be the leaders as usual. They will enter the season as the top receiving threats. Both are capable of being number one receivers, but they also complement each other well. Both are arguably in the top 15 at the position in the NFL, which is impressive coming from the same team. Even without a true third receiver, the passing game is able to live because they are so incredible at everything they do. But who will step up and help them?<\/p>\n

Treadwell continues to promise to improve. His time in Minnesota is quickly running out after three poor seasons. He finally caught his first touchdown pass last season. In three seasons, Treadwell has played in 40 games and accumulated just 56 catches for 517 yards and one score. He says he wants to stay in Minnesota, but he needs to prove it. Treadwell consistently drops crucial passes but has shown promise in camp and practice in his time as a Viking.<\/p>\n

The tight ends have a chance to play a huge role in 2019. Rudolph has been a good piece across the middle, but age is catching up to him. Smith showed a ton of promise at Alabama and projects to be a great receiving threat in the NFL. He could be slowly integrated into Rudolph\u2019s role before taking over in the not-so-distant future.<\/p>\n

So, what exactly to the Vikings have in their offensive weapons? Here is a look at the possible contributors for the 2019 season.<\/p>\n

A Closer Look<\/h3>\n

Stefon Diggs<\/h4>\n

Let\u2019s get one thing straight right now. Diggs is the best route runner in the NFL. A lot of talented guys want to make that claim, but Diggs proves it over and over again. He creates so much space with his quick feet and head fakes. You will not find a wide receiver who makes defenders look foolish as often as Diggs. It does not matter how good a defensive back is, Diggs can make anyone look lost out there.<\/p>\n

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Diggs got some of the best routes in the game \ud83e\udd75\ud83e\udd75\ud83e\udd75 @stefondiggs<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/q9d7Zz7KUR<\/a><\/p>\n

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) April 6, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n