The Minnesota Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on a wide receiver last year, and they might be on their way to doing it again if the draft rumor mill is on point. Minnesota met with Georgia State pass-catcher Ted Hurst a couple of weeks ago, and according to SI.com, he’s the main developmental prospect for the Vikings to target in 2.5 weeks.

Minnesota may still need another receiver, and Hurst checks the box as a late-round project with size.

Hurst currently ranks 76th on the Consensus Big Board, making him absolutely gettable for the purple team.

Hurst Fits the Vikings’ Search for More WR Depth

From somewhere, the Vikings may need one more WR for the regular season.

Hurst Picked as Vikings’ Top Development Fit

SI.com‘s Justin Melo sized up one development rookie for each NFL team on Monday, with Hurst getting the shoutout for Minnesota. Melo explained, “The Minnesota Vikings lost their No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor to free agency. It won’t be a high priority, given Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the better duos in the NFL.”

“Third-round sophomore Tai Felton only had three receptions last year. Enter Ted Hurst, a small-school threat from Georgia State with a dynamic vertical skill set. Hurst was incredible at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-3. He’s a downfield winner.”

Hurst has also been frequently connected to the Miami Dolphins in the mock-draft cycle, with The Draft Network‘s Jaime Eisner picking him in Round 3 last week: “Getting a live look at Ted Hurst at the Panini Senior Bowl cemented his status as a day-two prospect. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds, he pairs prototype size with unexpected short-area agility.”

“He operates as a refined route-runner, boasting the massive catch radius and contested-catch reliability you covet in a bigger target. He’s not a burner and needs to work on playing to his size with the ball in his hands, but he can develop into a long-term WR2-caliber player for the Dolphins.”

The Vikings’ Current WR Group

If Minnesota turns the Hurst visit into a draft pick and doesn’t add another free agent, the wide receiver room this summer would shape up like this:

• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• Tai Felton
• Ted Hurst
• Myles Price
• Jeshaun Jones
• Dontae Fleming
• Joaquin Davis

With this group, the Vikings would merely have to hope that Felton or Hurst would be game-ready by Week 1. Otherwise, a free-agent signing would be necessary.

The Skinny on Hurst

Hurst, at 6’3″ and 195 pounds, uses his size to his advantage, especially when making contested catches. His game is built on strength and body control. However, his route running could be improved; he doesn’t consistently separate from defensive backs, which will likely impact his future role.

He banked 127 catches for 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games. Not bad.

NFL Draft Buzz on Hurst: “Hurst fits best as a ‘Z’ receiver in an offense that uses motion and formation variety to manufacture free releases. That matters early in his career because press coverage remains a real problem, and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he saw in the Sun Belt.”

“His speed is good enough to threaten vertically, but he separates with acceleration and timing rather than blowing past coverage. That style translates if the body catches up. Expect him to push for the number three receiver role as a rookie in the right system, with third-down and red zone reps from Week 1 given his ball tracking, catch radius, and understanding of leverage.”

Hurst would instantly become the Vikings’ tallest receiver of those expected to make the September roster.

TBD added, “The drop issues need monitoring. His hands graded average across both Georgia State seasons, and that cannot persist against tighter coverage windows. But the combination of size, route feel, and athletic testing puts a real ceiling on this player.”

“With physical development and an expanded release package, he can grow into a starting outside receiver by year two. The tape backs that up more than the stat sheet does.”

Free Agents if Vikings Pass on Hurst

Pretend the Vikings don’t select a mid-round wideout because they just did that last year with Felton.

The current free-agent WR group looks like this as of April 6th:

• Brandon Aiyuk (if released by SF)
• Curtis Samuel
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Deebo Samuel
• Jauan Jennings
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Keenan Allen
• Tyreek Hill
• Stefon Diggs

The Vikings have drafted just one Round 2 or 3 wide receiver in the last 19 years: Felton in 2025.

The Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals will continue their three-game divisional series on Tuesday at Progressive Field. Both teams are battling for early positioning in the American League Central.

The Royals won Game 1 on Monday, 4-2. Game 2 will start at 1:10 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the game on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV and MLB.TV.

Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals odds

Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115), Kansas City Royals (-105)

Run Line: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-201), Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+165)

Total Runs: Over 7 (+100), Under 7 (-120)

(Source: DraftKings Sportsbook)

(NB: Odds are subject to change)

Preview – Starting Pitchers and Lineups

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher

Gavin Williams will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians. The righty pitcher has looked sharp in the early stages of the 2026 season. He carries a 2.25 ERA after two starts.

Williams relies on a high-velocity four-seam fastball that generated a significant whiff rate in his previous outing.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher

Noah Cameron will start on the mound for the Kansas City Royals. The lefty pitcher is looking to build on a stellar season debut against the Minnesota Twins. He earned a win and maintained a 1.80 ERA.

Cameron’s ability to command his secondary pitches will be crucial against the Giardians’ lineup that excels in contact hitting.

Cleveland Guardians potential lineup

Left Field Steven Kwan (L)

Center Field Angel Martinez (S)

Third Base Jose Ramirez (S)

First Base Rhys Hoskins (R)

Designated Hitter David Fry (R)

Shortstop Gabriel Arias (R)

Right Field CJ Kayfus (L)

Second Base Brayan Rocchio (S)

Catcher Austin Hedges (R)

Kansas City Royals potential lineup

Third Base Maikel Garcia (R)

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (R)

First Base Vinnie Pasquantino (L)

Catcher Salvador Perez (R)

Designated Hitter Carter Jensen (L)

Second Base Jonathan India (R)

Right Field Jac Caglianone (L)

Left Field Issac Collins (S)

Center Field Kyle Isbel (L)

(NB: S=Switch Hitter, R= Right-Handed Hitter, L=Left-Handed Hitter)

Prediction: Cleveland Guardians 4, Kansas City Royals 2

Gavin Williams has shown elite stuff early this season. His ability to overpower hitters should give him the advantage at home.

Noah Cameron has also been impressive. However, the Guardians lineup features several dangerous switch-hitters like Jose Ramirez, who can neutralize the lefty-on-lefty advantage.

With the Guardians playing at Progressive Field, they are the favorite to take Game 2 (Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115))

The Guardians pitching staff has been one of the most consistent in the league through the first two weeks. Both starters have ERAs under 2.30. Therefore, the likelihood of a low-scoring defensive battle is high (Total Runs: Under 7 (-120))

Expect the Guardians to lean on their bullpen to secure a narrow victory and cover the spread on the conservative side (Run Line: Guardians +1.5 (-201)