The best way to build a championship roster through the NFL Draft is to hit on first-round picks over and over again. Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings would surely like to do more of that, beginning with the 2026 NFL Draft.
But it’s also important for NFL teams to find quality prospects on Days 2 and 3, including the late rounds on Saturday.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis identified Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II as his favorite late-round player the Vikings could target.
“Will the team take a receiver in the early rounds? That’s my expectation. But if not, or if the Vikings want to circle back, Anthony makes sense,” wrote Lewis. “He’s a crafty route runner with agility and maturity.
“Physicality won’t ever be his calling card, but that trait didn’t prevent the Vikings from taking their two premier pass catchers.”
Based on draft projections, the Vikings might be able to land Anthony very late in 2026 NFL Draft. Minnesota possesses four selections after the fifth round, including three in the seventh round.
Why WR Vinny Anthony II Could Fit in Kevin O’Connell’s Offense
GettyFormer Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II could be a late-round target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The overall sentiment around Anthony’s draft evaluation from analysts is he has enough talent to be a late-round flier consideration.
Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora was complimentary of Anthony’s hands, ability to break tackles and toughness. Kozora compared Anthony to NFL receiver Russell Gage, who recorded back-to-back 750-plus receiving seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 and 2021.
Atlanta took Gage in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Anthony posted a career best 39 catches and 672 receiving yards for Wisconsin in 2024. During that campaign, he averaged 17.2 yards per reception.
Last season, Anthony had 31 catches for 391 yards. In all likelihood, though, the Wisconsin passing offense hurt Anthony’s college production.
However, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein didn’t hold Anthony in as high regard as other evaluators in the media industry. Zierlein projected the Wisconsin receiver as an undrafted free agent signee.
“Anthony is a field-stretching “Z” receiver with below-average production but speed to intrigue. There are a lot of inconsistencies on tape,” wrote Zierlein. “His route-running will need significant work if he’s going to uncover against NFL cornerbacks on anything other than deep routes.
“Anthony is below average as a ball-tracker and jump-ball artist but displays good toughness when contested. He operates with NFL-caliber foot drops near the sideline.
“The route tree will be limited but his potential as a kick returner could buy him some time on a practice squad.”
Vikings WR Depth Entering 2026 NFL Draft
GettyThe Athletic’s Alec Lewis argued Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings could target Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II late in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As Lewis explained, the Vikings could very well target a receiver early in the draft. If that happens, then there will be less motivation to take a flier on Anthony.
Still, deep enough in the draft, he could be worth a look because of the Vikings receiver depth chart.
The team lost Jalen Nailor during 2026 NFL free agency. Nailor signed a 3-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Vikings still have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as their 1-2 receiver punch. But behind them, there are a lot of questions on the Minnesota depth chart.
Former 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton is the team’s current No. 3 receiver. As a rookie, Felton only had three catches for 25 yards last season.
The Vikings also have Myles Price, Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming and Joaquin Davis at receiver on their offseason roster.
Vikings Urged to Target ‘Crafty’ Route Runner as Deep Sleeper in 2026 NFL Draft