Considered perhaps the Vikings weakest position group right after the 2012 season, the Vikings receiving corps has become at least solid if not spectacular a year later. While depth is still needed at this group, the Vikings should be extremely happy with the direction of this position, headed by one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.
Going into the 2014 offseason, here's a look at the Vikings wide receivers.
The Vikings have added plenty of new bodies at this position, as only one receiver currently on the roster has spent more than one season with the team. These new players has gelled extremely well in Minnesota though, and they could be receiving a lot more praise if the Vikings quarterback situation was more stable. Hopefully Norv Turner can come in and help that situation, as with a consistent passer providing them the ball, these receivers could really start to blossom.
On the Roster: Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jarius Wright, Rodney Smith
In an effort to at least make their wide receiver corps respectable, the Vikings signed Greg Jennings to a five year, $45 million contract last offseason. While some may look at his production (68 receptions, 804 yards) and question whether he was worth it, it's obvious he was hamstrung by bad quarterback play last year. Jennings was very frequently open, the Vikings quarterbacks just didn't always pull the trigger. While he is by no means elite, Jennings is a great intermediate target with precise route running abilities.
The Vikings made a large splash during the 2014 draft when they traded four draft picks to the Patriots in order to grab Cordarrelle Patterson. It seemed like a bold move at the time, not just because of what the Vikings gave up, but because Patterson's technique as a receiver was especially raw. One year later though, the trade already looks like a home run. Patterson has a rare combination of size, instincts and speed, and is positively dynamic with the football in his hands. Patterson is a rare triple threat in that he can catch, run and return, all in the same game. Norv Turner should be an absolute boon to Patterson's development in 2014, and Vikings fans should be salivating at his potential next season.
Jarius Wright was a fourth round pick for the Vikings, and has been a nice role player on the Vikings roster since then. Wright flashed deep play ability down the stretch in 2012, and he continued to refine his technique in 2013. While Wright didn't exactly break out in 2013 like some expected him to, he is a very valuable slot receiver who can make plays on the outside as well. Wright doesn't have the makings of a star, but he's a guy the Vikings are happy to have.
Rodney Smith was a late call up to the Vikings due to injuries, starting the year on the practice squad. Smith pretty much stuck to special teams when he was on the roster, making one tackle for the season. With free agents leaving the roster Smith may have the chance to stick on the roster in 2014, though he will have to earn that opportunity in training camp.
Free Agents: Jerome Simpson, Joe Webb
After a disappointing first season with the Vikings, Simpson emerged as a solid down the field threat for the team last season, catching 48 passes for 726 yards. Simpson lost his starting job to the electric Patterson at the end of last season, and if he were to come back for the Vikings he would likely see his role reduced. If the Vikings are to take him back it also would mean that they accept his off the field issues, as Simpson was arrested on a DWI charge in early November.
Joe Webb was converted from quarterback to receiver last offseason, but it seems to have been a rough transition. Webb ended up catching only five passes for 33 yards during all of 2013, and it's hard not to think his roster spot could be filled by someone more productive. Webb seems to be an extremely well-liked player in the locker room, but his tenure with the team may have come to an end.
What should Rick do? (WSRD?)
This is a position that shouldn't cause Speilman a ton of concern over the offseason, and he will certainly focus on it less than last year. Webb should be easily replaced either by Rodney Smith, or two other young receivers the Vikings have the rights to in Adam Thielen and Greg Childs. Childs in an extremely interesting case in that he blew out both his knees in training camp in 2012 but still hopes to play one day, though the Vikings certainly can't bank on that happening.
The main question at this position will be whether Simpson is brought back or not. From my point of view, even though Simpson is a bit of a headache, he would be a extremely valuable third receiver for the Vikings and would erase any questions about the position. The Vikings could sign Simpson on the cheap and forget about the position for a year, which is what I expect them to do.
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