2012 Team Outlook: Minnesota
WR Jarius Wright, MIN - Dynasty Only
Wright is a bit of a Percy Harvin clone measuring just 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds with top end speed and elite playmaking ability on special teams. He had a breakout 2011 season totaling 1,117 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns and could see some time in the slot during his rookie season. However, the presence of Percy Harvin likely limits Wright's upside to deeper dynasty leagues.
WR Michael Jenkins, NE (WR - #82) - Low Potential
Jenkins will be 30 years old when the 2012 season starts and he's yet to average more than 50 YPG in any of his first eight NFL seasons. His first season in Minnesota finished with just 38 catches for 466 yards and 3 TDs. Jenkins' inability to separate from defenses and the addition of Jerome Simpson makes him #3 on the depth chart. He does have ideal size (6'4) to excel in the red zone, but has just 23 TDs over his 8 seasons. Rookies Greg Childs and Jarius Wright could easily surpass Jenkins if the Vikings decide to go with upside over experience. It's worth noting that he could have some relevance in the first 3 weeks of the season with Simpson suspended, but his limited upside makes him waiver wire material except in the deepest of PPR leagues.
WR Devin Aromashodu, --- (WR - #101) - Deep-league Only
The Vikings resigned the Auburn alum to a 1-year contract, but his first year with Minnesota was less than impressive (just 26 receptions for 468 yards and one TD). He's entering his 5th NFL season, but remains off the fantasy radar despite his adequate size/speed combo. Aromashodu does remain a solid option if you're playing NFL scrabble.
WR Greg Childs, MIN - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
The Vikings selected their 2nd Arkansas WR when they nabbed Childs with a 4th round pick in April's draft. He has ideal size (6'3, 220), but injury concerns caused a draft day slide. Childs suffered a knee injury in October 2010 and never fully recovered during his senior 2011 season (only 21 catches for 240 yards). He led the Razorbacks in nearly every receiving category as a sophomore in 2009, finishing with 48 catches for 894 yards and seven touchdowns. His junior year was even more impressive as he had 46 catches for 659 yards before tearing the patella tendon in his right knee in the 8th game against Vanderbilt. He proved his health at a March 7 pro day by running a 4.41 forty and posting a vertical jump of 41 1/2 inches. Childs has the potential to see some snaps on the outside as a rookie and has the size to emerge as a red zone threat. Monitor training camp reports as he has big time sleeper potential if he proves to be healthy.
UPDATE: Childs tore up both knees and his season is over before it started. The oft injured WR might never play a snap in the NFL.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveWR Joe Webb, MIN (QB - #36) - Deep-league Only
The dual threat QB from UAB has shown flashes of his potential, but he'll likely remain more of a Kordell Stewart type / wildcat option provided Christian Ponder remains healthy. Webb is entering his 3rd NFL season and has 3 TD passes and 5 INTs in limited duty. His running ability is a true asset as Webb has amassed 4 rushing TDs, but remains as nothing more than waiver wire material unless he emerges as a starter in training camp (unlikely considering the Vikings used a first round pick on Ponder last season).
TE Kyle Rudolph, MIN (TE - #18) - Sleeper (undervalued)
Kyle Rudolph could be primed to surprise in his sophomore season with a decent chance at becoming the Vikings' 2nd leading receiver behind Percy Harvin. The 2nd pick of the 2011 draft finished his rookie season with just 26 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns in limited playing time. Free agent Visanthe Shiancoe won't be back, which means Rudolph will see a significant uptick in playing time as Minnesota's starting TE. He could approach 700-800 yards with 6-8 TDs next season with the potential for more. Dynasty Leaguers would be wise to pounce now as the 22 year old Notre Dame alum could very well add his name to the class of up and coming young TEs that are taking the NFL by storm – think Gronk Lite as each player is a 6'6, 260 pound matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries. Minnesota added fellow golden domer John Carlson (Seattle) on a 5-year free agent contract, but the Vikings figure to use a good amount of 2-TE sets with Rudolph split out wide (more fantasy friendly).
