‘Pretty Clear Favorite’ Emerging in Minnesota Vikings’ WR3 Race

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Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have lost two productive wide receivers to free agency over the past two offseasons. Adam Thielen took a better offer from the Carolina Panthers, and K.J. Osborn signed with the New England Patriots in hopes of receiving more targets.

The Vikings have replaced Thielen with Jordan Addison. But this past offseason didn’t see any significant addition at the receiver position to replace Osborn. However, the Vikings do have several in-house options who could emerge as the new WR3 in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

When Vikings training camp began, the incumbent favorite to win the job was Brandon Powell, who also serves as the team’s primary punt returner. He also has more knowledge and familiarity with KOC’s system, thanks to his two-year tenure with the Los Angeles Rams. Now that preseason play has begun, is Powell still the frontrunner to play behind Justin Jefferson and Addison?

Related: Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson Developing Strong Chemistry

Jalen Nailor’s strong camp makes him Minnesota Vikings’ WR3 frontrunner

Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Images Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

While Brandon Powell is still expected to have a role on special teams and likely on offense too, he’s not expected to be the Minnesota Vikings’ third receiver. Instead, that job is expected to go to 25-year-old Jalen Nailor, who likely has a higher ceiling than the 28-year-old Powell. While Nailor was only a sixth-round pick in 2022, he’s been a shining star ever since arriving in Eagan.

Most sixth-round picks don’t see the field as rookies, and that’s if they even make the roster. But Jalen “Speedy” Nailor was different. He managed to get into 15 games during his first season, and he even recorded nine receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown, averaging an explosive 17.9 yards per reception.

Unfortunately, Nailor battled injuries during his second season and was limited to just six games, including one start. His unavailability held Nailor to just three receptions for 29 yards. But it’s a new year, Nailor is healthy again, and he’s been drawing rave reviews during camp.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Nailor is running away with the WR3 job in Minnesota.

“There has been a lot of chatter this offseason about the Vikings’ depth at wide receiver after starters Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but 2022 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor seems to have emerged as a pretty clear favorite for the No. 3 job thanks to a strong camp. Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield Sr. will have roles, especially because they’re willing run blockers in a scheme that requires that of its wide receivers, but Nailor is the one who’s making the most plays in camp.”

ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Jalen Nailor

If Nailor can back up his strong training camp performances with impressive play during the preseason, there’s no reason why he won’t be the third receiver in the pecking order. But as we’ve seen before, his biggest challenge is staying healthy. That’s why others, such as Powell and Sherfield, could play crucial roles throughout the Vikings’ season, too. Either way, the Vikings have to like what they have at the receiver position.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Know Who They Want to Win the WR3 Job

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