Andrew Buller-Russ
Back in the day, when the Minnesota Vikings had Randy Moss, they often had one of, if not the best, wide receiver duo, and sometimes trio in the NFL. ‘Three Deep’ became so iconic that Vikings fans grew up with posters on the wall featuring what felt like a legendary trio featuring Moss, fellow Hall of Famer Cris Carter, and Jake Reed.
That group, and others led by Moss, helped spawn Vikings fans all over the world. Over the years, the Vikings have collected a few other impressive receiving tandems and even trios from the likes of Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian, or Adam Thielen paired with Stefon Diggs.
In the past three years, the Vikings have had another top-notch duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Now, they’ve added another 1,000-yard receiver into the mix with Jauan Jennings. Where does that trio rank among the NFL’s top wide receiver units?
Some, like Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, believe the Vikings have formed the best wide receiver trio in the NFL. Davenport wanted to rank each team’s best trios since the A.J. Brown trade occurred, and he places the New England Patriots at No. 9. The Dallas Cowboys rank second, and the Detroit Lions land at No. 5.
As for how and why the Vikings are at the top? It’s pretty simple. Jefferson is one of, if not the best. Addison has 1,000-yard potential while being a touchdown hound, and Jennings wins in other ways even when he’s not hauling in tough catches over the middle of the field.
“The group is headlined by Justin Jefferson, who is arguably the best wide receiver in the game. Addison may not be Jefferson, but he has shown a nose for the end zone, scoring 19 touchdowns over his first two years. Add in Jauan Jennings, who has 132 catches and 15 touchdowns over the past two years, and you have a trio of experienced, productive pass catchers—and a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.”
Bleacher Report on Vikings’ WR trio
Others will surely take issue with this ranking, especially since they haven’t proven anything together, especially with a potentially new starting QB this fall with Kyler Murray. Yet, the potential is clearly there on paper. Now it’s just a matter of how Kevin O’Connell can find ways to get the most out of the players he’s been given.
So, who’s making the posters?
Related: Minnesota Vikings Insider Speculates on J.J. McCarthy’s Trade Value
