Even before the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs, they were thin at the receiver position.
While the Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson with the pick they landed from the Bills in the Diggs trade and signed Tajae Sharpe, this is a group expected to struggle to find consistency.
In Pro Football Focus’ receiving corps rankings, the Vikings ranked all the way down at 24th.
A few reasons for optimism:
- The Vikings still have Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen. Thielen appeared in 10 games last season, but a hamstring injury really spoiled the season. I’d expect another 100-catch, 1,200-yard season from Thielen if healthy.
- Don’t sleep on the emergence of tight end Irv Smith Jr. I’d expect he’ll get a bigger role in the pass-catching game in 2020.
- While the Vikings won’t have Diggs, I think there’s a good chance this unit will be deeper in 2020 with the additions of Jefferson and Sharpe. And if someone like K.J. Osborn or Quartney Davis can emerge as a solid threat with Bisi Johnson in the mix, that would be huge for this team.
