Stefon Diggs served as primary inside option in 2016
Adam Thielen has spent more time in the slot in the Vikings’ three-receiver formations heading into this season. That has moved receiver Stefon Diggs into more of an outside role after he was the primary slot receiver last season.
“(Thielen) has been playing a little bit more in the slot, so just trying to develop that chemistry with some of those routes on the inside,” quarterback Sam Braford said. “It’s a little bit different in there, coverages are a little bit different, especially in zone coverage. It’s kind of finding voids, finding openings and having a feel for how to get open.” (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
Nerdy Football Analysis: Bradford had a 122.9 quarterback rating last season when targeting Thielen, who gives the team a bit more size and physicality at 6-2, 200 pounds than Diggs (6-0, 191). This does add to the appeal of Thielen, although this sounds much more like the Vikings giving themselves flexibility as opposed to a full-time commitment. Thielen is a solid WR4 choice with top 30-35 upside at his position if he remains as efficient as he was in 2016.
