The Minnesota Vikings have a ready-to-win roster and will approach the draft with the intent of taking swings on developmental prospects who could become contributors in the coming years.
Wide receiver is a sneaky need for the team with 2021 sixth-round pick Jalen Nailor's lack of consistency. The Vikings agreed to terms with former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore, who at 5-foot-8, squatted 600 pounds and was recognized as one of college football's biggest freak athletes by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.
But despite Moore's arrival, the Vikings still have their sights on another freak wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Baylor Bears wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (4) catches a pass for a touchdown
Ben Queen-Imagn Images
Minnesota Star Tribune beat reporter Ben Goessling reported on Sunday, March 23, that the Vikings met 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 impressive -- but speed is a given at that position.
Coming in at No. 42 on Feldman's "Freak List" for the 2024 college football season, Baldwin is known for his strength and explosiveness, notably benching 400 pounds -- the weight of a refrigerator or a motorcycle -- in 2023.
"He’s up to 168 pounds from 164 on his 5-9 frame. Baldwin, No. 42 on last year’s Freaks List, didn’t bench 400 pounds like he did in 2023, but 365 is still more than double his body weight," Feldman wrote. "His GPS speed is up to 23.16 mph. In 2023, Baldwin had four touchdowns and led the Bears in receptions (38) and receiving yards (623)."
Coveted for his speed, play strength and toughness, Baldwin projects as a deep threat, yards-after-catch maven and a tough tackle in the NFL but is still developing his route tree and hands. He is on several teams' radars but is likely no more than a Day 3 pick in the draft due to his size and inconsistencies catching in traffic.
However, the intangibles are there -- and the Vikings have one of the league's top receivers coaches in Keenan McCardell to fill in the technical development.
The Vikings have swung big in undrafted rookie free agency in the past years. If Baldwin goes undrafted, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings make a strong bid for him.
