Vikings OTAs: Two wide receivers have the opportunity to make a big impression before training camp

The Minnesota Vikings offense is entering a new era in terms of quarterbacking thanks to the departure of former six-year starter, Kirk Cousins.

The offense still runs through Justin Jefferson, however, and Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw represent one of the league's best tackle duos. Then, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Ty Chandler help create a formidable arsenal of skill players any offense would love to have.

Still, as with any team, there are holes to fill and depth to build. We know the big names, like J.J. McCarthy and co., that are fighting for starting gigs, but what about the lesser-knowns that may be in the shadows, but are names to keep an eye on over the next few weeks?

Let's dive in and check out three of those said names on the offensive side of the ball.

1. WR Devron Harper

Harper's efficiency as a receiver dropped from 2022 to 2023, as he went from a whopping 3.54 yards per route run to 1.91, respectively. He still managed to record more than 500 receiving yards and he caught two touchdowns off 58 receptions, last year.

But it's not the former Mercer Bear's receiving skills that place him on this list: it's his kick return skills, primarily punt returns, that got him here.

Per Pro Football Focus, Harper led the FCS with 49 total returns - 22 of which were kick returns, 27 of which were punt returns. He averaged 13.7 yards per punt return, which finished sixth out of 50 qualifying players with at least 26 total returns on the year. His two punt returns for TDs tied for first and his 23.8 yards per kick return tied for ninth-best.

The NFL's new kickoff rules will give Harper a chance to showcase his skills in an effort to make the practice squad or even 53-man roster. If he can limit the muffs (he had an FCS-worst four last year), and make plays in the return and passing game, then the future will be very bright considering the lack of depth behind Jefferson and Addison.

2. TE Trey Knox

Knox already an uphill climb due to his current skill set/abilities and the recent addition of veteran tight end Robert Tonyan only made things harder, as the Vikings tight end room now has seven bodies competing for probably four spots and two of those are already locked up in Hockenson and Josh Oliver. Throw in the highly unlikelihood of a Johnny Mundt release and it's three spots locked up. And, there's a good chance the TE4 job exists simply because of Hockenson's recovery from last year's torn ACL.

Regardless, Knox is an intriguing prospect because of his former receiver background. He won't mind adversity, either. He was benched in 2021 while he transitioned from wideout to tight end, all to come back and start/play in all 12 games and set a career-high in receiving touchdowns (5) the next year.

A player like Knox can certainly be used in today's NFL. His path toward the practice squad or the 53-man roster starts this week.