Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings beat reporters, analysts, and fans alike are absolutely buzzing about the show put on by WR3 candidate Jalen Nailor at Saturday’s boiling-hot training camp practice at a packed TCO Performance Center.
Exactly what everyone was hoping for, Nailor showed his stuff and displayed why he believes he should be the WR3 of the 2024 version of the Minnesota Vikings instead of guys like Brandon Powell or Trent Sherfield.
No one has ever questioned the talent of Jalen Nailor. Instead, everyone seems to collect around the irrefutable fact that the best ability is availability, and availability has not been Nailor’s strong suit over his entire football career, both before and during the NFL. Even in college at Michigan State, he only appeared in 28 games over his four years at the collegiate level due to injuries. Most recently, in 2023, he only appeared in six games with two different stints on the injured reserve, the first coming in September and then again in December, ending his season.
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell (left) and wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) before an NFL International Series game against the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Despite his lack of availability at the college level, his play still garnered him a sixth-round selection by Minnesota in 2022, and at the professional level, his undeniable talent has kept him in competition for numerous big-time roles at the receiver position. These competitions, of course, are usually ended prematurely due to Nailor falling to the wayside with an injury.
On Saturday, the past didn’t matter, and all of the talk focused on the present and what Nailor was doing.
Nailor set an already scorching hot day in Eagan on fire, making numerous plays in just a matter of minutes. Per SI.com’s Will Ragatz, in those couple of minutes, Nailor caught a touchdown pass from each one of Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy, and Nick Mullens. On top of the scores, Ragatz also observed Nailor turn some bad throws into catches, one from Mullens with a one-handed catch on a ball that was behind him and one from Darnold where he had to lunge to bring it in.
Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) rushes for a touchdown as Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine (35) defends during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nailor himself commented on his day and expressed his belief that he should be WR3:
I felt real comfortable with the offense. Going into the third year I’m just trying to be as versatile as I can….I definitely feel I can fit into that role (WR3) well, I can play both inside and outside really well, moving around in the offense you know, so just having that, the mindset is to just be able to play all three positions, I feel like that gives me a good bump.
WR3 hopeful Jalen Nailor
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) celebrates after making a stop against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin O’Connell echoed his and the entire organization’s confidence in the young receiver:
Jalen has done everything we’ve asked of him, and that really hasn’t changed since we drafted him…We’re all very optimistic about Jalen because he’s proven what he is as a football player. It’s not a question of that.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell
Earning the trust of his head coach and all three quarterbacks is the first step towards claiming the WR3 role.
Source link : https://purpleptsd.com/2024/vikings/top_news/jalen-nailors-remarkable/
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Publish date : 2024-07-27 22:10:00
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