Justin Jefferson speaks highly of the depth the Vikings have at receiver

There was a preconceived notion about the Vikings before training camp started at the TCO Performance Center. As talented as superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson and fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison are, the widespread thought was that the Vikings might struggle with their depth at the position.

The rationale made sense on the surface. There were no household names outside of Jefferson and Addison, especially after longtime wide receiver KJ Osborn decided to test the market for a bigger role.

While the Vikings could have spent big in free agency with hopes of landing a proven player, they took a calculated risk to give some young players a chance to step up. It has paid off, as their depth at the position suddenly looks like it could be a strength rather than a weakness.

“We have guys in our room to play and be a dangerous group,” Jefferson said. “Can’t wait to get out there.”

Asked about some of the receivers in particular who have stepped up in the past month, Jefferson spoke highly of each of them. Here’s a scouting report on fellow wide receivers Jalen Nailor, Trishton Jackson, Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield through Jefferson’s eyes.

Jalen Nailor

There’s a reason why the nickname “Speedy” followed Nailor throughout his life. He was always among the fastest players in any team he was in and that didn’t change even after reaching the highest level. His speed might have been on display sooner had he not struggled with injuries early in his career.

“We didn’t get to see much,” Jefferson said. “He would play in those days and then get injured.”

Now that Nailor is back to full strength, he’s made big plays seemingly every day. It’s not hard to imagine Nailor sliding in as a perfect fit alongside Jefferson and Addison.

“The plays he made there are something I looked for,” Jefferson said. “We’re just trying to get him ready for that because we’re definitely going to need him.”

Trishton Jackson

After going through the process together as part of the same draft class, Jefferson and Jackson developed an unbreakable bond that is evident to anyone who watches them interact. Not only do they constantly push each other on the court, but they are almost inseparable off the court.

“It’s definitely great to have him,” Jefferson said. “He’s more like a brother than a teammate.”

Perhaps it should come as no surprise then that Jefferson enjoyed watching Jackson take his game to the next level. Whether it’s the countless plays he made in practice or the pair of touchdowns he caught during the exhibition, Jackson has turned into an important piece of the puzzle.

“I love it,” Jefferson said. “He makes great plays for us.”

Brandon Powell

Never mind that his 5-foot-8, 180-pound frame might suggest otherwise, you don’t want to mess with Powell in the thick of it.

“He reminds me of that little bulldog in the house,” Jefferson said. “He’s fired up. This is BP. I love him.”

That tenacity in Powell’s is contagious, and while he’ll always have some limitations due to his size, it’s not hard to see why he’s carved out a niche for himself.

“Just having somebody in the room like him is fun to be around,” Jefferson said. “You have to know to know.”

Trent Sherfield

As tough as Powell is, Sherfield could be even tougher. That much was clear as soon as the pads were on.

The physicality that Sherfield plays with could go a long way in the running game.

Let’s just say he’s more than willing to do the dirty work in the trenches.

“Somebody’s got to do it,” Jefferson said with a laugh. “He has the body type for it. He is not afraid and does not complain when he is offered this kind of work. Just having to block a defensive back or block a linebacker is not an easy job and he attacks the mission.”

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