NFC North Rookie Wide Receivers Could Haunt the Vikings

Now that the draft has ended for a few weeks, we have been able to fully process the trades between the NFC North rivals. The conclusion of the haul that the Vikings received of Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, Ed Ingram, and Brian Asamoah looks potentially enticing, though we cannot forget about the explosive wide-receivers that were taken in the previous draft positions.

Christian Watson / NSDU / (Pick 34)

This pick could end up haunting the Minnesota Vikings for many years. Watson is a raw player with elite intangibles. He posted a 40-yard dash of  4.36 and a vertical jump of 38.5 as a 6'4 receiver. The former National Champion has been drafted into a perfect situation that will help elevate his skills. Throughout his career, Aaron Rodgers has been known to develop 2nd round receivers into stars. Former Green Bay Packers' second-round receivers include Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams. Christian Watson has the skills to become included in the group of second-round receivers that Aaron Rodgers molded and an X-Factor in Matt LaFleur's offense.

Jameson Williams / Alabama / (Pick 14)

Despite the insane value that the Detroit Lions got from the trade with the Minnesota Vikings, they potentially selected the best receiver in a deep draft class. Williams transferred to Alabama after his sophomore year at Ohio State and it played off big. In his junior year, Williams got the opportunity to be a stud in Nick Saban's offense and racked up 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games for the Crimson Tide. The Lions now have something brewing with young stars in Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, T.J. Hockenson, D'Andre Swift, and a young offensive line that has the potential to be a top unit in the league. The 2023 Quarterback class looks to be strong and Jared Goff can be cut with a dead cap of $10 million after this season. It might be weird to say, but there is not much of a better situation to fall into as a rookie Quarterback.

Until Aaron Rodgers decides to hang up the cleats, the Packers will be the team to beat in the NFC North. Christian Watson helps the Packers in a weak wide-receiving room and makes the Packers more explosive. Shortly after, the Detroit Lions will start competing for the NFC North with the selection of Jameson Williams. The Vikings will need their early draft picks to turn out, or else the 2022 draft has the potential to haunt us for many years to come.