The Minnesota Vikings have a winning roster and will enter the draft with the intention of taking a chance on developmental prospects who could contribute in the future.
With 2021 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor’s inconsistent play, wide receiver is an unexpected need for the team. The Vikings agreed to terms with former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore, who stood 5-foot-8, squatted 600 pounds, and was dubbed one of college football’s most freakish athletes by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.
Despite Moore’s arrival, the Vikings are still looking for another freak wide receiver in the 2017 NFL draft.
On Sunday, March 23, Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling claimed that the Vikings had spoken with Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin at the Big 12 Pro Day. At 5-foot-9, Baldwin’s 4.32-second 40-time at the pro day was stunning, but it was expected.
Baldwin, ranked No. 42 on Feldman’s “Freak List” for the 2024 college football season, is known for his strength and explosiveness, having previously benched 400 pounds, the weight of a refrigerator or motorcycle.
“He’s gained 168 pounds from 164 on his 5-9 body. Baldwin, No. 42 on last year’s Freaks List, didn’t press 400 pounds like he did in 2023, but 365 is still more than twice his body weight,” Feldman said.
“His GPS speed reaches up to 23.16 mph. In 2023, Baldwin scored four touchdowns and led the Bears in receptions (38) and receiving yards (623).
Baldwin, who is coveted for his play power and toughness, projects as a deep threat, yards-after-catch specialist, and tough tackle in the NFL, but his route tree and hands are still maturing. He is on numerous teams’ radars, but due to his stature and inconsistency catching in traffic, he is unlikely to be selected higher than a Day 3 choice in the draft.
However, the tangibles are there, and Keenan McCardell, one of the league’s greatest receiver instructors, is with the Vikings.
The Vikings have made significant moves in undrafted rookie free agency in recent years. If Baldwin remains undrafted,
It would not be surprising if the Vikings made a big bid for him.
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