The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah while also being a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Can Trishton Jackson become WR3?
Background
Jackson starred at Syracuse University after initially committing to Michigan State as a dual-threat quarterback. The Spartans moved Jackson to wide receiver and he played there for two seasons before transferring to Syracuse. After a 1,000 yard, 11 touchdown season at Syracuse, Jackson went undrafted and signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He spent one season with the Rams, including making the initial 53-man roster, before coming over to the Vikings. Jackson was inactive for all 16 games as a rookie and has played in just seven games as an NFL player. They all came in 2023 where Jackson caught two passes for nine yards.
Scheme fit
The Vikings like to have multiple receivers on the field at a time and Jackson fits the motif of what they like. A solid route runner with the speed to threaten the defense, Jackson fits in both as a Z and in the slot.
Best case scenario
With Jackson's competition being either often injured or relatively small, he doesn't just step in and get snaps. Jackson thrives as the third wide receiver and earns the job. He stays consistent in all facets of the position, including blocking which is necessary for the Vikings offense in 11 personnel.
Worst case scenario
Despite being with Kevin O'Connell for the majority of his NFL career, Jackson can't take the next step as a 26-year-old. He gets outshined by Brandon Powell and a healthy Jalen Nailor, causing him to miss the 53-man roster once again.
What to expect in 2024
The Vikings WR3 spot is going to be a contested position. It's not just a pivotal one for the Vikings offense, but one with multiple options with different skill sets. Who ends up with the job will tell us a lot about what head coach Kevin O'Connell thinks of the wide receiver position.
Jackson has been an intriguing player for a while. At a certain point, the intrigue needs to manifest itself into success on the field. Playing in seven games last season was a step forward, but he will need to continue that momentum. The likely scenario for Jackson is that he makes the team but as either WR5 or WR6.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones | Taki Taimani | Jeremy Flax | Spencer Rolland | Tyler Manoa | Bo Richter | Jaren Hall | Lucky Jackson | K.J. Cloyd | Levi Drake Rodriquez | Michael Jurgens | Walter Rouse | Will Reichard
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