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Way too early Vikings 53-man roster prediction

By Jake Andersen

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (L) speaks with general manager Rick Spielman (R) prior to their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wide Receiver

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

WRs: Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell, Michael Floyd (If suspended, replace with Isaac Fruechte), Rodney Adams

At wide receiver, the locks are Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Laquon Treadwell. Yes, I realize last season’s first rounder was a disappointment, but I don’t see the team moving on from him unless he were to perform very poorly during the season.

Recently, Shurmur had good things to say about Treadwell, who took first team snaps in three-receiver sets at OTAs via ESPN:

"“He’s had a great, in my opinion, five-and-a-half weeks. He came back and he was really on point with what he’s supposed to be doing mentally. He’s been out here competing and doing a nice job running routes and catching the ball. Understanding where he fits in the running game and who to block. To this point, we’ve been really pleased with his progress based on a year ago.”"

While Treadwell looks to hold onto a spot on the first team, free agent signee Michael Floyd will look to beat him out over the summer. Newly signed on May 10, Floyd is in the beginning stages of learning the system, but his size and athleticism should add another dimension to the receiving core.

Floyd could receive a suspension by the NFL after pleading guilty to a DUI charge. If that’s the case, I have Isaac Fruechte taking his place. He is another receiver with size and experience that has the kind of work ethic coach Zimmer likes.

Seventh round draft pick Stacy Coley could factor in here too, but he has a similar skill set to Rodney Adams, who I have taking the last spot.

Adams has the playmaking ability to be the team’s kick returner after Cordarrelle Patterson left for the Oakland Raiders. At South Florida, Adams averaged 29.1 yards a return, but also showed potential as a receiver, posting 67 catches and 822 yards in his senior season.

Jarius Wright is another interesting case after playing sparingly in 2016 with only 11 catches for 64 yards and a TD. I see the team parting ways with the veteran, but due to lack of depth and a possible Floyd suspension, I could see them keep Wright instead of Fruechte or keep six receivers, taking away a fullback or fourth tight end spot.

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