Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: Lucky Jackson
Rank: 76
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 186
Experience: Rookie
College: Western Kentucky
Stats (In XFL): 36 receptions, 573 yards, 5 touchdowns
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 78
Kevin Fielder: 75
Judd Zulgad: 77
Saivion Mixson: 78
Average: 77
Best case scenario
Unlike other young wide receivers looking to make the 53-man roster, Lucky Jackson offers the unique advantage of having played professional football. Jackson spent last season in the XFL with the DC Defenders and was among the most productive wide receivers in the league.
That experience alone could help Jackson sneak onto the roster as a bottom-of-the-depth-chart wide receiver. From there, Jackson will hope that his explosiveness and big play potential will help him get on the field.
Worst case scenario
Although Jackson’s professional experience can’t be counted out, he should be considered in the same tier as undrafted free agents.
The Minnesota Vikings may only be adding one wide receiver to their 53-man roster, and that spot may end up going to someone with more upside as a special teamer. There’s also a possibility the Vikings choose to keep just five wide receivers, keeping Jackson out of their plans.
What to expect in 2023
Jackson will need to use his experience to his advantage when fighting for what might be the final spot on the 53-man roster. From there, he’ll have to cut his teeth on special teams before being considered for offensive snaps.
If he fails to make the roster, the practice squad seems like a real possibility. The Vikings could treat Jackson as the seventh wide receiver by placing him on the practice squad and either elevating him in some weeks or keeping him on the practice squad for a potential injury.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
86-Thayer Thomas
85-Sam Schluter
84-Jaelyn Williams
83-Jacky Chen
82-Cephus Johnson III
81-C.J. Coldon Jr.
80-Junior Aho
79-Malik Knowles
78-Abraham Beauplan
77-Wilson Huber
