In 2019, the Vikings had only one pass catcher go for over 600 yards and he is no longer with the team. Stefon Diggs hauled in 63 catches for 1,130 yards and the next closest was Dalvin Cook with 519 yards.
This is a big reason as to why PFF ranked the Vikings receiving corps 24th overall in their 2020 rankings. The Diggs departure makes the receiving room even thinner than it was originally heading into 2020.
Here are the reasons the Vikings need to use Irv Smith Jr. more:
Too many unproven wide receivers
Wide receiver Adam Thielen was hurt last year, so he only played in 10 regular season games. As of now, there is just too much unproven talent behind Thielen at wide receiver.
The Vikings used their 22nd overall pick that they received in the Diggs trade on Justin Jefferson, but it’s never easy to speculate how a rookie will produce in his first season. Jefferson was productive during his time at LSU, has great analytical metrics and a ton of upside, but that doesn’t always translate over to the next level right away.
Bisi Johnson showed flashes in 2019 of being a good receiver, but it is still unproven that he can be anything more than a wide receiver three. Tajae Sharpe was also added in free agency, but was never overly productive in his time in Tennessee.