Minnesota Vikings NFL Training Camp Update - Receivers

The Minnesota Vikings, and young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson in particular, have got to be wondering who in the world will be catching the ball in 2007? After many years of top notch receivers, the Vikings have dwindled to some very uncertain territory here, and youth has been embraced. The Vikings drafted three rookie wide receivers this past draft, and they are praying that one or two at least can jump in right away.

The only player on the roster at the wide out spot that can truly be considered stable is free agent Bobby Wade, and he is in that category by default. Wade is a marginal receiver at best, as he is a dump and go type receiver. He certainly would make a great addition to any team, but he is not a number one type receiver, or really a number two. He is really more of a slot guy.

Troy Williamson could possibly emerge as the number one, but last season was simply terrible. He had every chance to succeed and came away with zero touchdown passes received and only 400+ yards. Those are not numbers that usually indicate a jump to the number one spot for an NFL team. That is an indication of the seriousness of the situation in Minnesota. He is currently listed at the number one on the Vikings depth chart.

After these two receivers, the Vikings have Billy Mcmullen. Mcmullen showed some signs of life last season with a couple of touchdown receptions, but he has been in the league for four years now, and has only 600 or so yards receiving. He does have great size and good hands for a big receiver, and could emerge as a pleasant surprise with more snaps under his belt.

The best thing the Vikings have going for them this season at wide receiver may just be the rookie draft pick out of South Carolina, Sidney Rice. Rice is a big, strong, fast guy in the same mold physically as another former Viking draft pick, Randy Moss. They have many similarities in that they both will fight for the ball, and do not like to lose. Rice certainly seems to be a great pick for Minnesota, and if he can adjust to the speed of the NFL, he might rise to the number one by season's end.