Vikings' Wide Receiver Unit Cracks Top 10 in ESPN Analyst's Rankings

The Vikings' revamped wide receiver corps headlined by Justin Jefferson, rookie Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn has a chance to be one of the better WR groups in the NFL. But in order for that trio to settle into the top five or higher, Addison will need to prove wrong the doubters who believe his lack of size will prevent him from being a star at the next level.

ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently ranked all 32 wide receiver units in the NFL and he has the Vikings at No. 10.

2023 NFL Wide Receiver Unit Ranks and Depth Charts.

The Bengals top the chart and the Titans still have work to do. pic.twitter.com/jzBTwQHjFe
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) May 8, 2023

That doesn't feel egregiously low, but I do think you could make an argument that the Vikings should be higher.

For starters, the Vikings have the player with the strongest current argument as the best wide receiver in the NFL. Jefferson, the reigning AP offensive player of the year, leads the league in receiving yards since being drafted three years ago — and he's nearly 400 yards ahead of second place. He led the NFL in both receptions (128) and yards (1,809) last season, posting just the sixth 1,800-yard receiving season in league history (albeit with one extra game).

Addison replacing Thielen as the No. 2 has a chance to be an immediate upgrade, as well. The 32-year-old Thielen had clearly lost a step last season, posting a career-low 6.7 yards per target. Addison's size is an understandable concern, but the 2021 Biletnikoff winner will bring much more speed and fluid change-of-direction ability. There may not be a better route-running duo in the league than Jefferson and Addison.

And don't count out Osborn, who has posted consecutive 650-yard seasons and is entering a contract year. He had two 100-yard outings in the final four games of the 2022 regular season, including a 10-catch, 157-yard gem against the Colts. Clay lists Brandon Powell and Jalen Reagor as the Vikings' fourth and fifth receivers, but Jalen Nailor also has a chance to be in the mix for the No. 4 job in his second season.

Depth is a question mark and Addison is unproven right now, but Jefferson's presence alone should probably boost the Vikings up a few spots on the list.

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