Summer Sleeper: Minnesota Vikings

George Kritikos Posted On August 21, 2014

vikings

With fantasy season right around the corner, we’re continuing our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL. You can find all of the Summer Sleeper articles here.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” which include such such dynasty mainstay names as Toby Gerhart, Christine Michael or Cordarrelle Patterson. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

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Jarius Wright, WR MIN

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings offense in recent years has been devoid of a passing game. While this has allowed Adrian Peterson the chance to take on all the carries he can handle, it has left a revolving door of quarterbacks and useless receiving options. However, that is starting to change with the aforementioned Patterson, the recent drafting of Teddy Bridgewater and even free agent signings like Greg Jennings a year ago.

The “buzziness” of Patterson, Bridgewater, and to an extent, rookie running back Jerick McKinnon has left the cupboard pretty bare in terms of sleepers. With improvements to the passing game and the addition of Norv Turner, it’s best to look at receiver to see where the next sleeper may come from.

Jarius Wright was selected in the fourth round (pick #118) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Arkansas after having a solid senior season that included multiple team records, most important of which being his 12 touchdown receptions. There is a strong relationship between college scoring and NFL success, so that’s a green light going in. Also, note the 4.39 40-yard time and we have a player who can operate in Norv Turner’s vertical offense.

In his two years with Minnesota, Wright has shown improvement on the field. He saw his receptions (22 to 26), yards (310 to 437), and targets (36 to 43) all go up; which should be an indicator of confidence by the Minnesota brass. Also, with 46.5% of targets going for first downs last year, up from 36.1%, he went from an average to above average contributor in that area; again showing signs of a bigger future role with the team.

Going into this season, Jarius Wright is battling Jerome Simpson for the slot receiver role. With Simpson on a one-year deal, Wright seems to have a bright future with the team in a slot capacity at the very least. Going further out, does the offensive philosophy begin to shift as Peterson enters his twilight to emphasize a budding receiving core? The buzz is aplenty up north in the purple land that protects us from Canada, Wright could be the perfect under the radar pick that pays dividends.

Let him cross the waiver wire border onto your roster.

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