The Minnesota Vikings were considered a logical landing spot for Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker. After all, Parker was quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's go-to target in college and the Vikings had a clear need at the wide receiver position (sorry, Corddarrelle Patterson). But that need was lessened somewhat by the trade for Mike Wallace.
Since then, Minnesota has been linked to Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes, though some draft experts believe Waynes could be the most overrated prospect in this year's class. Regardless of which direction they go in, the Vikings would still benefit by adding some receiver talent. That is why ESPN NFL Draft insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects Minnesota to select Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates with the No. 76 pick.
"Coates is more of an athlete than a polished wide receiver at this point, but it's worth betting on his upside at this stage. A monster athlete," Kiper wrote.
It's hard to argue with this pick as Bridgewater enters his second season. The Vikings want to do everything in their power to help their young QB develop into the type of player they think he can be. Providing him with weapons, especially in a deep draft of WRs, is one way to do that. If Wallace can stay focused and Patterson can reach his full potential then Coates would be icing on the cake for a dangerous pass-catching corps.
Coates caught 34 passes for 741 yards and four touchdowns last season. In 2013, he hauled in 42 passes for 902 yards and seven touchdowns. What stands out about Coates is his speed (4.4 40-yard dash) and big play ability (20.7 yards-per-catch average in three seasons at Auburn). Those skills would be a welcome addition to almost any offense but especially to one with a young quarterback at the helm.
