Each NFL team has some grouping of players that they feel are underappreciated or not seen by other groups as the talent they are. Whether it is because they aren’t seen every Sunday or because they don’t play enough, every team has a secret.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report set out to find each best-kept secret on every NFL team’s roster. For the Minnesota Vikings, he settled on Jalen Nailor, who has seen growth every year he has been in the league. Entering his fourth year in the league, the former Michigan State Spartan will now be relying on a Wolverine to help him take the next step in his career.
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Holder writes, “While Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson get most of the attention when it comes to the Vikings’ pass-catchers, Nailor quietly proved to be a quality WR3 and fourth option in the passing game last season. He logged 28 catches for 414 yards and six touchdowns behind those three. If the 2022 sixth-round pick can cut down on the drops–four last season, per PFF–he can carve out an even bigger role in Minnesota this fall.”
For Sam Darnold in 2024, Nailor proved to be a big-play receiver.
Whether it was in the redzone or on critical third downs, Nailor was making plays for the Vikings offense. If he can build that same trust with McCarthy, the sky is the limit for the Vikings’ third receiver.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Jalen Nailor earns unique honor from Bleacher Report ahead of camp