The 2014 and 2015 wide receiver classes will go down as two of the best for pass-catchers in NFL history. Nine total receivers were selected in the first two rounds, with two being taken at No. 4 overall. Odell Beckham Jr. is already a super star and guys like Amari Cooper, Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and others aren't too far behind. Unfortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, the 2016 WR prospects aren't nearly as talented.
Rookie Stefon Diggs led the Vikings with 52 receptions for 720 yards while adding four scores this past season. While that gives Minnesota hope for the future, it doesn't give quarterback Teddy Bridgewater a go-to No. 1 target in the present. But despite the lack of overall talent in this year's crop of receivers, a few names still stand out.
"If there is no thoroughbred on the order of Amari Cooper or Sammy Watkins in this draft, the current group of receivers does figure to offer plenty of options for teams such as the Minnesota Vikings that could find themselves in need of a big target for their young quarterback," ESPN's Ben Goessling wrote. "Mississippi junior Laquon Treadwell (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) tops most mock drafts right now, while TCU senior Josh Doctson (6-3, 195) comes in behind him. And the group of tall targets could also include several players who have attracted attention at this week's Senior Bowl - Ohio State's Braxton Miller chief among them."
Doctson has already been linked with the Vikings before, though Treadwell is considered the shinier prospect. Miller has just one year of experience at the position, but is an impressive athlete with legit speed.
It's clear that the Vikings need help at the position after finishing 31st in passing yards per game (183) and passing touchdowns (14). Though some of that had to do with Bridgewater, it's still a weakness that can be improved with better talent. Diggs looks like a keeper, but Charles Johnson disappointed while dealing with a nagging rib injury and Mike Wallace could be a cap casualty this offseason.
Head coach Mike Zimmer has built a talented and young defense in his two seasons with the team. Now, it's time to focus on the offense.
