The way that the Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North last season was certainly unorthodox. A regular season record of 13-4 was achieved despite a negative point differential on the season. For how explosive the offense was in Minnesota in 2022, the defense was porous.
Despite those issues, the Vikings have a great chance of repeating as division champions. The Detroit Lions look like they will be their main competition as the Green Bay Packers are preparing for life after Aaron Rodgers and will be starting Jordan Love. The Chicago Bears made upgrades to the roster this offseason but are likely another year or two away from truly contending for a playoff spot.
If the Vikings want to keep their offense humming in 2023, they could use a few depth pieces on that side of the ball. The wide receiver position could certainly use an upgrade behind Justin Jefferson as the team moved on from Adam Thielen this offseason.
Without Thielen in the mix, K.J. Osborn will likely ascend to the No. 2 role in the pecking order. But, beyond him, a lot is left to be desired. Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor are next in line and neither has produced much in the NFL.
That could mean the Vikings will turn to the draft to find some answers at wide receiver. One player to keep an eye on is Jonathan Mingo of Ole Miss, as Minnesota was named the best fit for him in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ole Miss has produced some quality wide receivers recently in D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown, Elijah Moore and Van Jefferson. Mingo is looking to become the next successful Rebel at the next level and he has the potential to do it.
While many of the top pass catchers in this year’s draft class are of slighter build, Mingo is a solid 6’2” and 220 pounds. He has excellent after the catch skills, averaging 7.4 yards after the reception in 2022. The versatility to line up in the slot or on the boundary would provide Mingo a chance to break into the lineup early on as he is a fit alongside the other pass catchers on the team.
Mingo could come into play for the Vikings when they are on the clock in the third round. With Jefferson, Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson in the mix, he wouldn’t be relied upon to carry too big of a load early on. He could be eased into action with some schemed throw in the early going before seeing his role grow as the season goes along.
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