Why Albert Wilson Could Be A Great Weapon For Kevin O’Connell
Albert Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.
Wilson, who is listed at 5’9″ and 195 pounds, has played in the NFL for seven seasons and, in that time, has recorded 218 receptions for 2,499 yards along with 12 touchdowns.
He spent last season with the Miami Dolphins, where he recorded a career-low in receiving yards with 213 on 25 receptions in 14 games, according to Pro Football Reference.
Where Will He Fit In?
Wilson joins arguably the most talented WR room in the entire NFL with players like Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn, who all have proved themselves to be worthy of playing time on this team.
Not only that but names like Bisi Johnson, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Rookie Jalen Nailor will all be competing for snaps in the offseason. Wilson will certainly have to earn his spot on the Vikings’ 53-man roster.
However, with both Osborn and Smith-Marsette missing time at OTA’s, the door is open for Wilson to show off his skills in front of this new Vikings coaching staff.
How Should The Vikings Utilize Wilson?
Kevin O’Connell described the Georgia State alum as “A veteran player with a skill set we like.” But what exactly is Wilson’s skill set?
If I had to describe it in one word, it would be speed—the ability to take the top off of the defense and hit a big play at any given moment.
“That’s what I came up doing was stretching the field,” Wilson said.
An ability that the Purple were missing from their WR room. Not to say that Jefferson, Osborn, or Thielen can’t run deep routes because they certainly can. However, O’Connell could use Wilson simply as a pawn on his chess board. Asking him to stretch the safeties deep to allow Jefferson and Thielen to come open underneath.
It is hard to imagine Wilson playing a prominent role in the Minnesota offense this upcoming season, considering he has never recorded over 600 yards in a single season. However, his blazing speed and veteran presence are a great addition to this team.
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