Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Final offseason, the Minnesota Vikings moved on from vast receiver Ok.J. Osborn. He had been a dependable third possibility behind the likes of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Adam Thielen. It was time to show the web page, although, and head coach Kevin O’Connell went with Jalen Nailor in his place.
Jalen Nailor’s Story of the Tape
The previous Michigan State Spartans wideout had persistently been praised for his talents in observe. Sadly, he struggled to remain wholesome and infrequently noticed the sector. Nailor impressed sufficient in the course of the preseason to win the job, and the Vikings noticed him maintain it down all season.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
In Osborn’s closing yr because the slot wideout, he racked up 540 yards. That was beneath the 2 earlier 600-yard seasons, however nonetheless a decent efficiency. He discovered the tip zone thrice and had a catch proportion of 64%.
This season, Nailor posted simply 414 yards however scored six touchdowns and was a constant outlet for quarterback Sam Darnold. He hauled in 66.7% of his targets, however there have been some well timed drops that may actually be thought-about problematic.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
At 25 years outdated, Nailor performed in what quantities to his first full season. This offseason ought to see important improvement and constructing, which can excite the Vikings teaching workers and supply hope for one more uptick in 2025. That stated, he has missed sufficient time for the expansion to be substantial.
Apart from the premature drops, Nailor did sufficient to cement himself within the Osborn position this yr. The Patriots launched the departed free agent with simply seven receptions, and he didn’t contribute for Washington after being briefly picked up. Nailor actually cleared the bar of what each gamers produced within the fast brief time period.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Minnesota must determine whether or not what they noticed from Nailor was sufficient to run it again. Final season, some believed somebody like Hunter Renfrow, Robert Woods, or one other veteran may make sense in that position. These emotions could also be current this time, and the choices ought to have completely different faces.
If Nailor goes to be the selection as soon as once more, then Minnesota wants him to take what he did this season and enhance upon it.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that’s centered on all issues Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s energetic on Twitter and writes day by day for Minnesota Sports activities Fan. As a former school athlete and avid sports activities fan, masking our professional groups with a ardour has at all times appeared like such a pure outlet.
