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

The rationale made sense on the surface. There weren’t any household names aside from Jefferson and Addison, especially after longtime receiver K.J. Osborn decided to test the market in search of a bigger role.

Though the Vikings could’ve spent big money in free agency with hopes of bringing in a proven player, they made a calculated risk to give some young players a chance to step up. It’s 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 make plays and to be a dangerous group,” Jefferson said. “I can’t wait for us to get out there.”

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

Jalen Nailor

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

“We didn’t really get to see too much,” Jefferson said. “He would be making plays during those times and then he would get injured.”

Now that Nailor is back to full strength, he has been making big plays seemingly on a daily basis. It’s not hard to envision Nailor sliding in as a perfect fit alongside Jefferson and Addison.

“The plays he’s been making out there is something we’ve been looking for,” Jefferson said. “We’re just trying to get him ready for it because we’re definitely going to need him.”

Trishton Jackson

After going through the process together as a part of the same draft class, Jefferson and Jackson have developed an unbreakable bond that is apparent to anybody that watches them interact. Not only are they constantly pushing each other on the field, they nearly inseparable off of it.

“It’s definitely great having him,” Jefferson said. “It’s more as a brother than as a teammate.”

Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that Jefferson has enjoyed watching Jackson take his game to the next level. Whether it’s the countless plays he’s made in practice, or the pair of touchdowns he’s caught during the exhibition slate, Jackson has turned himself into an important piece of the puzzle.

“I love it,” Jefferson said. “He’s making tremendous 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 heat of battle.

“He reminds me of that little bulldog at the house,” Jefferson said. “He’s feisty. That’s BP. I love him.”

That tenacity from Powell is contagious, and while he will always have some limitations because of his size, it’s not hard to figure out why he has carved out a niche for himself.

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

Trent Sherfield

As tough as Powell is, Sherfield might be even tougher. That was clear as soon as the pads came on.

The physicality with which Sherfield plays 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 has to do it,” Jefferson said with a laugh. “He has the body type for it. He’s not afraid and doesn’t complain when given that type of job. Just having to block a defensive end or having to block a linebacker is not an easy job to do and he attacks the assignment.”

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