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The Minnesota Vikings have an impressive wide receiver duo in Justin Jefferson and the emerging Jordan Addison, the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 draft. They also have T.J. Hockenson, one of the game’s best tight ends when healthy.
That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use more support for Kirk Cousins or whoever is under center in Week 1. Especially with Hockenson potentially missing the start of the season.
This week of Senior Bowl practices may have uncovered the perfect option.
“Rice wide receiver Luke McCaffrey put forth a solid showing at this year’s Senior Bowl,” Draft Network’s Justin Melo wrote on February 2. “McCaffrey is a big-bodied, tough receiver with the short-area quickness and acceleration necessary to become a reliable slot receiver in the NFL.
“McCaffrey would be an excellent complement to Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison in Minnesota.”
“McCaffrey is a big-bodied, tough receiver with the short-area quickness and acceleration necessary to become a reliable slot receiver in the NFL,” Melo wrote of Rice star. “McCaffrey’s inside-outside versatility, paired with his effort and size as a blocker, could quickly get him on the field.”
Measuring in at 6-foot-1, 200-plus-pounds, McCaffrey is in his second season as a wide receiver. He began his career as a quarterback for the Cornhuskers and in his first season with the Owls.
This past season, he caught 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He also comes from a football family, including two NFL players, with brother Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers leading the NFL in rushing this past season. His father, Ed McCaffrey, played 13 seasons, including one with the 49ers and nine with the Denver Broncos.
McCaffrey may be worthy of the selection in his own right. But the Vikings’ decision to add him – or another receiver in general – could be a matter of need.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings may be in need of a wide receiver in the upcoming NFL draft, according to reports. Backup wideouts Brandon Powell and K.J. Osborn are expected to leave the team, leaving a void in the receiving corps. Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger suggested Osborn as a potential free agency target for the Cleveland Browns. Osborn had an impressive season, recording 48 receptions, 540 yards, and three touchdowns despite playing with multiple quarterbacks. Powell also contributed with a 30-192-3 line on 44 targets. With the potential loss of these two players, the Vikings may consider drafting a replacement.
One potential option for the Vikings is Stanford wide receiver Connor McCaffrey. McCaffrey is projected to be a Day 3 pick by Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez. Sanchez describes McCaffrey as a “scheme specific contributor” in his draft profile. Adding McCaffrey to the roster would provide the Vikings with more pass-catching options and alleviate some of the pressure on the remaining receivers. With the uncertainty surrounding tight end T.J. Hockenson’s recovery, the Vikings need to ensure they have enough weapons in the passing game.
While the Vikings have expressed optimism about a potential contract extension for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, nothing has been finalized yet. In the event that Jefferson does return, McCaffrey would provide a larger target in the receiving corps. The Vikings have a total of eight picks in the upcoming draft, including six on Day 3. This gives them the opportunity to address their wide receiver needs and add depth to the position.
Overall, the Vikings are facing the potential loss of two backup wide receivers and need to find a replacement. Connor McCaffrey, a Day 3 prospect, could be a suitable option to fill this void. With the upcoming draft, the Vikings have the opportunity to add more pass-catching options to their roster and ensure they have enough weapons in the passing game.
