Vikings WR3 and CB3 Competitions Getting Interesting Already

It’s still plenty early on in Minnesota Vikings training camp, but that doesn’t mean guys can’t make an impact out of the gate. The front seven was expected to be talented, and they have lived up to that billing. There have also been down-roster names that are trying to separate themselves.

Arguably the two greatest positional battles for the Vikings come at the third wide receiver and cornerback positions. On offense it’s who is behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. On defense it’s who plays with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers.

There is an injury keeping both Jefferson and Rodgers from practicing. That allows for guys looking to make a name for themselves an opportunity.

Lucky Jackson stands out for Minnesota Vikings

Jalen Nailor is firmly entrenched as the MN Vikings third wide receiver. He is the incumbent and scored six touchdowns across 17 games last year. However, there is opportunity with Jefferson out, and a possible suspension for Addison looming. Ben Goessling noted Lucky Jackson as a player who has stood out early.

“I guess the first name that comes to mind for me, the opportunity has come to him because of Justin Jefferson, but Lucky Jackson. He’s gotten a lot of time with the 1’s and has looked like a guy that can contribute there. He’s not seeing all of the top corners with Isaiah Rodgers not practicing, but the times he’s gotten with the 1’s and the plays he’s made when he’s been there, I think have been noteworthy. Had another nice catch yesterday [Monday], and he just looks like he’s played the position, he’s been in this offense for a while now…he has been impressive to me.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings

Lucky Jackson went undrafted out of Western Kentucky and has spent time on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. He was active for three games in 2023 but played just three offensive snaps and another 32 on defense. He has yet to record a catch in a regular season game.

Lucky Jackson has a nice one handed grab from JJ McCarthy in 7 on 7’s. pic.twitter.com/HHQFwLf5QW

— Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) July 29, 2025

Jackson would be considered as the elder statesman among potential down-roster wide receiver depth. Tai Felton was a 2025 draft pick, and Silas Bolden was signed as an undrafted free agent.

Related: Vikings Front Seven Living Up to Hype Early

Kevin O’Connell is going to need someone from the group behind Jefferson, Addison, and Nailor to step up. Minnesota utilized more than just three wideouts last year. Now they are dealing with uncertainty regarding both of their top two.

Jeff Okudah a MN Vikings defensive standout

The Minnesota Vikings cornerback position seems to leave something to be desired on paper. Behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers there is uncertainty. They did bring in former third overall pick Jeff Okudah, but he hasn’t worked out in any of his previous stops. Something may be clicking at TCO though.

“I haven’t seen a ton of things just myself observing this short camp we’ve had, but Jeff Okudah continues to get these reps as the third corner. This can age very quickly because they’ll bring in Stephon Gilmore in late August and things can change obviously. But, Brian Flores was really complimentary yesterday [Monday] talking about Jeff Okudah and how he’s been since he got him. He’s been great in the building, in the locker room, great on the field. It doesn’t sound like a coach ready to give up on this guy the way that the NFL seemingly has before.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

Krammer goes on to note that even undrafted cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn has gotten reps ahead of Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern. It’s Okudah who has seen real run above all of them.

After the Lions took Okudah third overall in 2020 he played just 25 games (22 starts) across three seasons for them. The Ohio State product then went to Atlanta and Houston before joining the Vikings.

Related: MN Vikings O-Line Getting Healthy Fast

It’s beyond plausible that the Vikings bring in a more established veteran. Okudah can be strong depth if Minnesota believes in him either way. For now though, he’s clearly taking the opportunity and running with it.