As we mentioned the other day, the comparisons to Anquan Boldin may have validity. Allen is a proven playmaker with a good combination of quickness and body control and a knack for making the contested catch. The Cal offense and inconsistency of quarterback Zach Maynard (Allen’s brother) played a big role in that. Don’t be scared off by his modest 2012 stats (61 catches, 737 yards, six TDs). 23 pick and Allen is still on the board, this may be a no-brainer. Keenan Allen – If the Vikings want to take a receiver with the No. But he may also be available for relatively cheap. Yes, Avery has issues with bad drops at times. He also has the one thing the Vikings currently lack – an ability to consistently get open deep. Overall, Avery had 60 receptions for 781 yards with three TDs last season. In a 23-20 Colts win in September, he delivered nine catches for 111 yards including a key 20-yard grab on Indianapolis’ game-winning drive in the final minute. But he runs good routes, has admirable ball skills and could be a bargain overall.ĭonnie Avery – Avery’s best game of 2012 came against the Vikings.

Enter Gibson, a rising 25-year-old playmaker who’s coming off a 51-catch, 691-yard, five-TD season in St. And so the Vikings will likely instead turn their attention to that second tier of receivers. Unless the price tag comes way, way down – it’s probably north of $11 million a year at present – Jennings won’t be a serious Vikings target.īrandon Gibson – Just to get it on the record: like Jennings, Dwayne Bowe and Mike Wallace also figure to request big pay days in March. But even if he were to hit free agency, he is likely to command the type of top-dollar contract the Vikings’ are aversive to delivering in free agency. Weekend reports indicate that the Packers might consider putting the franchise tag on Jennings. But … (And you knew the “but” was coming right?) Jennings will turn 30 in September, has missed 11 games the past two seasons due to injury and may ultimately seek a reunion with Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, who was his offensive coordinator in Green Bay for five seasons. He’s a proven veteran, consistently productive and, by all accounts, a solid teammate. For the past seven seasons, the Vikings have had to deal with Jennings’ playmaking ability.

And at first glance, it seems perfectly logical. Greg Jennings – This is the most popular name suggested by fans. With that in mind, we’re giving you a look at 12 potential targets. So just where might the Vikings’ turn this offseason for receiving help? They’ll have options just about everywhere.

Detroit’s Calvin Johnson alone had 122 grabs, 1,965 yards and five scores. For perspective, the team’s top three receivers in 2012 – Percy Harvin, Michael Jenkins and Jerome Simpson - combined for 128 catches, 1,400 yards and five touchdowns. For the second straight offseason, the Vikings are looking to upgrade their receiving corps to enliven a sputtering passing attack.

The Vikings by Robert Fer...