Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Battle at its Best in Preseason Finale

By Ben O’Rourke
NFL Contributor

The preseason has now come to an end for the Minnesota Vikings.

Although the big names like Christian Ponder, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson, were not on the field Thursday night, there was still a heated battle going on, specifically between the wide receivers competing for final roster spots.

Among those contributing to the game-play in the wide receiver spots were Devin Aromashodu, Steven Wright and Stephen Burton. All of whom put the final touches on their player profile for the coaching staff to make some tough decisions in the next 24 hours, making their way down to a 53 man roster.

Burton continued to show his sharp route running and ability to use his speed against the secondary to create space. Thursday night may have seemed like just another night on the field, however, his play-making ability goes back to Week 1 of the preseason against San Francisco, where he opened the game with a 30-plus yard reception. He has been consistent ever since.

Wright made a lasting impression on the coaching staff as well, at least he should have. With a little over a minute left in the second quarter, Wright connected on a cross-route catch. It should have been a helmet-to-helmet call, but wasn’t. To pop up and run back to the huddle after a hit like that deserves praise. Show your horns, Wright. That just might be the toughness that this team needs to keep in that huddle.

Aromashodu very well could have been the highlight receiver on the night. Early on, he showed the ability to take advantage of his height, jumping up to snatch an over-thrown pass from quarterback Joe Webb along the sideline.

Later on, the next play after the Wright helmet-to-helmet no-call, Aromashodu reeled in an under-thrown pass by beating the secondary on a middle-route for a 58-yard touchdown reception to end the half. He is looking to have Sidney Rice-like potential.

All three receivers made a very strong case, showing toughness and proper route running, in hopes of keeping their spot on the roster.

With that said, the bottom line is that the team needs to determine who can gain the trust of the coaching staff and be the best option for putting points on the board.

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