Vikings Position Battles: Wide Receiver

Minnesota’s receiver room has been one of the more interesting groups to watch since spring practice started. Several unexpected names have emerged as fan favorites and a few expected contributors have disappointed. With roster cuts a short ways away, now is a good time to evaluate the wide receiver battles by taking the pros and cons of each roster candidate’s case.

First thing’s first; we are going to make a few assumptions. For one, the top three receivers are essentially locked in: Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell. Only injury could really shake that up. Second assumption is that Stacy Coley is healthy enough to make the roster. That one is more iffy, but there have been no indications his injury is long-term and he has a lot of second team reps under his belt.

The third assumption is that Kendall Wright makes the roster. This one might be controversial, given that he has been non-existent in preseason. However, he is a productive veteran and only 28. His value out of the slot could come in handy quite often, especially since Treadwell is almost exclusively an edge receiver. What is more, he is currently listed as a second-teamer on the depth chart, ahead of even Coley. His projected value for 2018 is just higher than any of these other guys, it is that simple.

The fourth assumption is a painful one, but a real one; only three receivers appear to truly be in competition for the last spot. That means, unfortunately, Maple Grove native Jake Wieneke does not seem to be a contender for the 53-man roster. He has made a few plays in preseason, including a touchdown and a game-winning two-point conversion. But even against third-team defense, he looks a step slower and a slightly less natural athlete. His size and red zone ability make him a candidate for the practice squad, perhaps more so than other fringe receivers. But that seems to be his peak for his rookie season.

Final assumption is that the Vikings keep six receivers. That is the number they kept the last three years and the number that makes the most sense. Four get consistent playing time, two get snaps here and there and provide special teams help. That last item is possibly what will separate some of these guys.

Now, with those assumptions in mind, let’s evaluate the cases for and against the Vikings’ top three fringe receivers.

Chad Beebe

Why he should make it

Beebe has won the hearts of Vikings fans for his solid preseason performance. He is undersized at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, and is never the fastest guy on any field. However, his numbers and results speak for themselves. Nine catches, 95 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winner in three games is nothing to sneeze at for a guy getting only second- and third-team reps. Beebe gets consistent separation, shows good, strong hands and lateral quickness, not unlike his folk hero father, Don (of course, Don Beebe tested exceptionally at the combine, something Chad cannot boast). Plus, Beebe has taken some reps as a punt returner. He has not broken any long returns, but that experience can only be viewed as a positive for his chances.

Why he shouldn’t make it

There are simply limits to Beebe’s potential. He lacks the size or speed to be a regular on offense or as a return man. While seeing an underdog receiver do the little things well in preseason is fun for fans, it is hard to imagine Beebe being a strong contributor in any aspect of the game this year, even in kick coverage. Without question, no one has proven they deserve a roster spot more than Beebe. He has answered every challenge and stood out from the crowded receiver room. But the other guys have more upside, and that may ultimately be his problem. And it is unfortunate because if Minnesota cuts Beebe, it will be due to things out of his control.

Cayleb Jones

Why he should make it

A big receiver built similarly to Treadwell, Jones has game day ability as a possession guy. His numbers in this preseason are pedestrian (three catches, 34 yards), but last season, he showed up big in camp. While he was ultimately cut, his nine-catch, 127-yard performance in preseason week four was the best showing of anyone at the position.

Why he shouldn’t make it

Aside from his lack of production in preseason games, Jones’ chances will be largely hampered by a looming suspension. He is facing a four-game suspension to open the season because of a violation of the league’s performance enhancing drug policy. Jones has yet to prove that he is so valuable that he deserves to stay aboard following his suspension. In four games, maybe he joins the team or makes the practice squad.

Brandon Zylstra

Why he should make it

Zylstra is the only rookie in the Vikings’ class with professional experience. Not only did he play two seasons in the CFL, he was one of the best players in that league in 2017, recording 100 receptions and over 1,600 yards. He has also proven himself against NFL players. In spring practice, Zylstra was the talk of the town, earning praise from players and coaches alike for his hands and route-running. He has NFL size at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and decent athleticism. Perhaps most importantly, Zylstra appeared to have an edge in the competition entering camp; he was and still is listed ahead of everyone else in this piece on the Vikings.com depth chart.

Why he shouldn’t make it

The injury that kept Zylstra out of camp for a few weeks allowed others, particularly Beebe, to catch up. Zylstra did not get his first preseason action until week three, and in that game he saw no targets in 12 snaps. He still may be the front-runner, but it is far narrower than it was three weeks ago.

Prediction

Zylstra looks most the part of an NFL receiver, so I am sticking with him for now. However, the race between him and Beebe is neck-and-neck. With another good performance, Beebe may ultimately clip Zylstra by a nose.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikings Follow @fpc_nfcn