Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
The Minnesota Vikings drafted wide receiver Laquon Treadwell in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft because they wanted someone to pair with wide-out Stefon Diggs. That didn't exactly pan out in the first season as Treadwell finished with just one catch for 15 yards and struggled to remain healthy. This year the Vikings may be dipping back into the receiver pool.
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Vikings will be receiving a visit (no pun intended) from Ohio State wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
As Rapoport says in his Tweet, Samuel was previously visiting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now visiting the Vikings.
Samuel finished his three years with the Buckeyes having racked up 107 catches for 1,249 yards and nine touchdowns, as well as 172 rushing attempts for 1,286 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The former Buckeye also spent some time on Ohio State's return team which, in turn, has drawn comparisons between Samuel and former Vikings Percy Harvin and Cordarrelle Patterson, the latter of which was with the team until this offseason in which he signed with the Oakland Raiders.
If Samuel is being viewed by the Vikings as a potential replacement for Patterson then it'll be interesting to see how he fits in the offense as Patterson had a solid 2016 season with quarterback Sam Bradford in the Pat Shurmur guided offense.
Samuel is projected to be taken somewhere in the 3rd or 4th round so, with the Vikings having no first-round selection due to the Bradford trade, the Ohio State wide receiver is a guy that will be available to the Vikings in later rounds. The question is, will the Vikings take him though?