Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Position Analysis: Wide Receivers



If the Vikings are going to improve they will need consistency from their new acquisition, Jerome Simpson

Today on Vikings Corner we will analyze the wide receivers on the roster.

This position was a strength until Sidney Rice left for Seattle. We lost our deep vertical down field threat that we had in 2009. We didn't really have it in 2010 either because Rice was battling the hip injury. The key is whether or not the Vikings resolved that issue this season. I believe they have by signing Jerome Simpson to the roster. He has unbelievable athletic ability which was expressed when he played for the Bengals. He can sprint, jump, and catch extremely well. I think of the leap he made into the endzone last season which was probably the best play in the whole league last season. This will definitely be the upgrade as a vertical threat this season. The only issue is that we are without Simpson for the first three games of the season due to suspension. This shouldn't be an issue because I like the first three games we play in. I feel we can beat Jacksonville at home and Indianapolis on the road. The struggle will be at home against the 49ers. The 49ers have a great defense and an above average offense line and running attack which could pose some issues. I feel when Simpson comes back if the Vikings are sitting 2-1 they are in a great position.

Percy Harvin will be the same "I Told Percy" that he always has been. The whole situation where Percy was upset with the organization was blown out of proportion. It wouldn't surprise me if he didn't even  request the trade that he allegedly had. Percy will be the same versatile threat that he has been in this league. Teams have to scheme for Harvin and must know where he is on the field at all times.

I also like the addition of Jarius Wright to the wide receiving core. I think he will be able to take a little bit of a burden off Percy Harvin's shoulders. He will be able to be an asset on special teams where I think Harvin doesn't need to be used. In big games when we need a touchdown we could put Percy in the game to take a kick back in a big spot.

I have one main concern and that is Greg Childs who we drafted out of Arkansas. He really struggled with injuries and missed a ton of time in college. I don't like the thought of his injury ability coming on this team. I think if he stays healthy he has a skill set similar to Sidney Rice. He is tall, lanky, and has nice hands in traffic. But a person does have to be concerned with his durability. The Vikings could use him and need him to step up his game immediately.

Overall, I feel like if we can get a vertical threat from Simpson, Harvin can continue his consistency, Wright can step into a utility role, and Childs can stay injury free, the Vikings will have a strong wide receiving core.


No comments:

Post a Comment