Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings: 3 Mid-Round Wide Receiver Gems in 2017 NFL Draft

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:09 a.m. ET

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The Minnesota Vikings head into the 2017 season with a need at wide receiver and these mid-round 2017 NFL Draft options could fill the void

If Minnesota had not traded a first round pick for Sam Bradford at the beginning of last season, they would currently be sitting with the 14th pick and have an opportunity to select some of the more coveted receivers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Those names would include Mike Williams from Clemson, Corey Davis from Western Michigan, and John Ross from Washington.

Many of the purple and gold faithful wouldn't exactly welcome another first-round wide receiver pick with other glaring holes on offense, like the offensive line. Either way, Minnesota's draft party doesn't kick off until Round 2, so finding some value with their dual picks in Rounds 3 and 4 may be the way to go for Rick Spielman and the Vikings.

This 2017 wide receiver draft class could be hit or miss pending on the style of offense and the fit for the respective player. Last year's class only saw a few make immediate impacts for their new team (looking at you, Laquon Treadwell), so hopefully the return this year is far greater.

The Vikings have done a solid job finding talent through the mid rounds with selections like Stefon Diggs, so the opportunity is definitely there to find another diamond in the rough. Here are three prospects who could potentially be that type of wide receiver.

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3.Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech

Where exactly Carlos Henderson may be drafted is among the biggest question marks at the wide receiver position in this draft. Some analysts have him a top-three receiver, while others think he lacks height and have him going in the middle rounds. Viewing what's available, Minnesota should be considering this receiver within the first three rounds.

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Henderson would fill two needs immediately for the Minnesota Vikings. With losing Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota loses its accomplished kick returner, but could try to replace that production with Henderson. In three years at Louisiana Tech, Henderson averaged over 26 yards per return with a total of three touchdowns. Though not proven at the professional level, he'd be given the opportunity to step in immediately.

The main focus would be his production as a pass catcher though. Henderson's stat line in 2016 is nothing short of amazing, and when you put on this man's college tape you can see why. Last year, the Louisiana Tech receiver posted an incredible 82 receptions for 1,535 receiving yards with 19 touchdowns. He also ran for another 133 yards and two touchdowns, amassing a total of 23 touchdowns last year including kickoff returns.

The 5-11 receiver can get vertical with the best of them, while also moving into the slot position and taking screens to the house. Henderson would deliver the same aspect Patterson did, while also providing a deep threat that this team needs. If Henderson somehow makes it out of the second round and Spielman can swoop in and steal him in the third while filling two needed spots, that'd be a huge bonus for a Vikings team looking for answers at multiple positions.

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2. JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC

JuJu Smith-Schuster has flown somewhat under the radar after seeing a regression in yardage, yet will still be a nice value pick in the mid rounds if Minnesota chooses to do so. His sophomore season in 2015 was his best and was widely considered one of the best young receivers in the country. Due to nagging injuries and a quarterback change from Cody Kessler to true freshman, Sam Darnold, JuJu Smith-Schuster's junior season wasn't as predicted. Yet he still scored 10 times his last year in college.

Though the receiver out of USC won't fill two needs immediately like Carlos Henderson, he provides a large, physical target in the red zone and yards after catch ability Minnesota could use.

Watching this large bodied wide receiver's tape reminded me physically of Dez Bryant. Smith-Schuster has that edge and tenacity on the field, someone who isn't afraid to stiff arm someone to the ground or taking hit down the middle making a tough catch in traffic.

JuJu Smith-Schuster is a gamer, someone who loves this game of football and a type of guy that would seem to fit Mike Zimmer's style. He's just not scared of the physicality of this sport, and I absolutely love that about him.

He does seem to get nicked up from time to time, and does have difficulty separating on his routes from defensive backs. At 6-2, he makes up for it with contested catches while using his body to box out defenders or to bully them out-of-the-way. In the open field, he runs with a purpose while having a little wiggle in his game to break tackles. If Minnesota could possibly grab this receiver in the third or fourth round, it'd be well worth the pick.

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1. Zay Jones, Eastern Carolina

If the production follows this receiver in the pros, Minnesota should have no issue jumping on Zay Jones with their first pick in the second round.

I say this because more than likely, after his combine performance, there may be no possible way to get Jones beyond the second round. The receiver out of Eastern Carolina ran an impressive 4.46 in the 40-yard dash while standing 6-2. Speed was his largest question mark going into the draft, which he answered emphatically. Now, I wouldn't be the least surprised if a team gambled on him in the first round.

There's no denying that Zay Jones has some of the best hands in all of college football, but his field awareness and concentration really separate him from others when evaluating him. His college production speaks for itself with a FBS record of 399 catches throughout his career, including 158 as a senior alone.

If there is one thing I could nitpick about his game, it would be his tendency to extend his arms when he's trying to create separation from a defender. The NFL has done a better job at giving defensive players the opportunity to make plays on the ball in the air, while not being too biased towards offensive players when calls are made. At the next level Zay Jones will not get away with this as much as he did in college. So whoever drafts him will need to work with him on that aspect, but the rest of his game is pro ready.

With no George Stewart and new wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell, it'll be interesting to see how exactly these young receivers develop with the Vikings. When it comes to prospect Jones, he checks all the boxes. It's just a matter if Minnesota is willing to risk another high draft pick on a wide receiver in back to back drafts.