Beyond Jefferson and Addison, a surprising wide receiver gap emerges. The Vikings' 2026 draft could target this overlooked, critical offensive piece.
The Minnesota Vikings roster is far from complete heading into the NFL draft. It's good, but needs improvement at a couple of positions. The Vikings are solid.
Simply being solid is not going to win a team a Super Bowl. That said, it does provide the foundation for a Super Bowl contender. That's what the Vikings are beginning to push for with a first season with new expected starting quarterback Kyler Murray.
For Murray to reach his ceiling there are a few positions the Vikings stand to improve. One of those positions is the third wide receiver spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. And while Jefferson is perhaps the best at his position, Minnesota's 2025 season proved that if you can neutralize the star receiver you can stop the Vikings offense.
With that in mind, some view receiver as a position of need heading into the 2026 NFL draft. Brevan Bane of Heavy discussed the Vikings' potential plans at wide receiver.
"The Minnesota Vikings have a low-key need at WR3 heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. WR Jalen Nailor, the WR3 in 2025, departed to sign a big deal with the Las Vegas Raiders and left a hole.
Many look at the Vikings as a great WR room just because of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Obviously, this is a great top duo to have on your team. However, there’s virtually no one behind them.
2025 3rd-round selection Tai Felton has shown no signs of taking the job, though that could change in camp. Felton was a burner in college, but wasn’t really super capable of getting completely open. Consider his success rates against different coverages at Maryland in 2024-2025, per Reception Perception."
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) catches a pass during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesIf the Vikings can solidify the position, they can almost certainly expect to contend in the NFC North. The loss of center Ryan Kelly to retirement may hurt their chances to win right away, but having elite weapons to get the football to can mitigate the lack of pass protection.
The Vikings have a capable passer in Murray, who has proven adept at making the difficult throws that involve not only arm strength but layering the football over linebackers or defensive backs.
Minnesota has the potential to win at the same level it did in the 2024 season when it went 14-3. The upcoming NFL draft could be the catalyst that lifts the Vikings back into contention.