{"id":858835,"date":"2026-04-07T12:07:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/858835\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T12:07:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:07:28","slug":"vikings-again-linked-to-rising-rookie-wr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/858835\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings Again Linked to Rising Rookie WR"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"GeorgiaFeb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia State wideout Ted Hurst (WO24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on a wide receiver last year, and they might be on their way to doing it again if the draft rumor mill is on point. Minnesota met with Georgia State pass-catcher Ted Hurst<\/a> a couple of weeks ago, and according to SI.com, he\u2019s the main developmental prospect for the Vikings to target in 2.5 weeks.<\/p>\n

Minnesota may still need another receiver, and Hurst checks the box as a late-round project with size.<\/p>\n

Hurst currently ranks 76th on the Consensus Big Board<\/a>, making him absolutely gettable for the purple team. <\/p>\n

Hurst Fits the Vikings\u2019 Search for More WR Depth<\/p>\n

From somewhere, the Vikings may need one more WR for the regular season<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"TedTed Hurst secures a reception in traffic, using his size to win at the catch point during second-half action against Connecticut. The play occurred on Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; at Rentschler Field, where the Georgia State receiver showcased his physical style and ball skills in a competitive road environment. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Hurst Picked as Vikings\u2019 Top Development Fit<\/p>\n

SI.com\u2018s Justin Melo sized up one development rookie for each NFL team on Monday, with Hurst getting the shoutout for Minnesota. Melo explained<\/a>, \u201cThe Minnesota Vikings lost their No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor to free agency. It won\u2019t be a high priority, given Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the better duos in the NFL.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThird-round sophomore Tai Felton<\/a> only had three receptions last year. Enter Ted Hurst, a small-school threat from Georgia State with a dynamic vertical skill set. Hurst was incredible at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-3. He\u2019s a downfield winner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hurst has also been frequently connected to the Miami Dolphins in the mock-draft cycle, with The Draft Network\u2018s Jaime Eisner picking him in Round 3 last week<\/a>: \u201cGetting a live look at Ted Hurst at the Panini Senior Bowl cemented his status as a day-two prospect. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds, he pairs prototype size with unexpected short-area agility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe operates as a refined route-runner, boasting the massive catch radius and contested-catch reliability you covet in a bigger target. He\u2019s not a burner and needs to work on playing to his size with the ball in his hands, but he can develop into a long-term WR2-caliber player for the Dolphins.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vikings\u2019 Current WR Group<\/p>\n

If Minnesota turns the Hurst visit into a draft pick and doesn\u2019t add another free agent, the wide receiver room this summer<\/a> would shape up like this:<\/p>\n

Justin Jefferson<\/p>\n

Jordan Addison<\/p>\n

Tai Felton<\/p>\n

Ted Hurst<\/p>\n

Myles Price<\/p>\n

Jeshaun Jones<\/p>\n

Dontae Fleming<\/p>\n

Joaquin Davis<\/p>\n

With this group, the Vikings would merely have to hope that Felton or Hurst would be game-ready by Week 1. Otherwise, a free-agent signing would be necessary. <\/p>\n

The Skinny on Hurst<\/p>\n

Hurst, at 6\u20193\u2033 and 195 pounds, uses his size to his advantage, especially when making contested catches. His game is built on strength and body control. However, his route running could be improved; he doesn\u2019t consistently separate from defensive backs, which will likely impact his future role. <\/p>\n

He banked 127 catches for 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games. Not bad.<\/p>\n

NFL Draft Buzz on Hurst<\/a>: \u201cHurst fits best as a \u2018Z\u2019 receiver in an offense that uses motion and formation variety to manufacture free releases. That matters early in his career because press coverage remains a real problem, and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he saw in the Sun Belt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis speed is good enough to threaten vertically, but he separates with acceleration and timing rather than blowing past coverage. That style translates if the body catches up. Expect him to push for the number three receiver role as a rookie in the right system, with third-down and red zone reps from Week 1 given his ball tracking, catch radius, and understanding of leverage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"TedTed Hurst lines up during practice reps, preparing for the next snap while working with the American Team at a key pre-draft showcase. The moment came on Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, Alabama, USA; during Senior Bowl activities at Hancock Whitney Stadium, offering evaluators a closer look at his route work and positioning. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Hurst would instantly become the Vikings\u2019 tallest receiver of those expected to make the September roster. <\/p>\n

TBD added, \u201cThe drop issues need monitoring. His hands graded average across both Georgia State<\/a> seasons, and that cannot persist against tighter coverage windows. But the combination of size, route feel, and athletic testing puts a real ceiling on this player.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith physical development and an expanded release package, he can grow into a starting outside receiver by year two. The tape backs that up more than the stat sheet does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Free Agents if Vikings Pass on Hurst<\/p>\n

Pretend the Vikings don\u2019t select a mid-round wideout<\/a> because they just did that last year with Felton.<\/p>\n

\"TyreekTyreek Hill stands on the field before kickoff, focused as Miami prepares for a divisional matchup at home. The scene unfolded on September 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; at Hard Rock Stadium, capturing Hill\u2019s pregame routine as one of the league\u2019s most dynamic playmakers readies for action. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The current free-agent WR group looks like this as of April 6th:<\/p>\n

Brandon Aiyuk (if released by SF)<\/p>\n

Curtis Samuel<\/p>\n

DeAndre Hopkins<\/p>\n

Deebo Samuel<\/p>\n

Jauan Jennings<\/p>\n

JuJu Smith-Schuster<\/p>\n

Keenan Allen<\/p>\n

Tyreek Hill<\/a><\/p>\n

Stefon Diggs<\/p>\n

The Vikings have drafted just one Round 2 or 3 wide receiver in the last 19 years: Felton in 2025<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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