Jalen Nailor the favorite to earn Vikings’ last starting WR spot

Former Michigan State receiver Jalen Nailor shined in his first NFL preseason game of the 2024 season with the Vikings.

It’s been a few years since we’ve heard the name Jalen Nailor in a relevant aspect, but that could soon change.

The former Michigan State receiver was an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings and Spartan fans hoped that he and Kirk Cousins would develop a strong connection. The two Spartans would have been fun to watch even if it meant rooting for the Vikings’ offense to play well (and still lose).

Unfortunately, that never quite came to fruition as Nailor was often injured and Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

Nailor did stick around following the big offseason moves that the Vikings faced and he has a couple of new quarterbacks throwing him the ball. One is veteran Sam Darnold who was expected to be the backup but he’s pushing Michigan rookie JJ McCarthy for the starting job. Both guys seem to have a solid rapport with Nailor and they have all fall camp thus far.

And after the first preseason game against the Raiders where he caught three passes for 63 yards, it feels like Nailor is about to win a starting job.

Jalen Nailor showing everyone why the #Vikings never pursued a WR3 in the draft or free agency. Looked really good yesterday just like he has all camp. pic.twitter.com/5xuZHFKkEV

— Tanner Weber (@Purple_Post) August 11, 2024

Vikings reporters feel like Nailor has done enough during fall camp and the first preseason game to push for that WR3 spot over Brandon Powell and Trishton Jackson and now that he’s finally healthy, I’d agree. He has all the tools and we saw that at Michigan State.

When Nailor is fully healthy, he’s a problem for defenses.

Not only does he have strong hands, a high football IQ, great route-running ability, and good instincts, he’s faster than most, formerly holding the nickname “Speedy” at Michigan State.

So it might be just a matter of time before we see Nailor catching passes from JJ McCarthy on Sundays. What a trip that would be.