Minnesota Viking Jaymar Johnson Rewarded For His Hard Offseason Work

There was a lot of emotion by Vikings players as the first depth chart of 2009 was released.  Some players are relieved to see a spot with their name on it.  Others will begin to worry, as their hopes of becoming a Minnesota Viking are slowly slipping away.

One player in particular who should be happy about where he saw his name is 6th round draft pick, WR Jaymar Johnson. 

The former Jackson State wideout was cut from the Vikings last season, and re-signed to the Practice Squad, where he remained for the rest of the season.  He stayed there, and watched as his undrafted rookie teammate Darius Reynaud got the nod ahead of him to join the active roster and return kicks starting in November of last year. 

This season however, Johnson has a little more to smile about.  Not only is he listed ahead of his teammate Reynaud, he also seems to have a roster spot all to himself.

The WR Depth Chart, as posted on www.Vikings.com looks like this:

WR 87 Bernard Berrian — 11 Jaymar Johnson — 82 Darius Reynaud or 16 Glenn Holt or 13 Bobby Williams

WR 18 Sidney Rice — 19 Bobby Wade — 12 Percy Harvin or 15 Vinny Perretta or 14 Nick Moore

It would appear that as of now, Jaymar is in the lead for the fifth wide receiver roster spot, and a good candidate to make the final 53 man roster.  Not only will he have a chance at WR, he is also listed as the primary Punt Returner on the Special Teams depth chart, beside Percy Harvin.

KR 12 Percy Harvin - 11 Jaymar Johnson - 82 Darius Reynaud

PR 11 Jaymar Johnson - 12 Percy Harvin - 87 Bernard Berrian

The added dimension of being a promising looking returner should help propel Jaymar as the top choice for the final WR spot on the roster.  Johnson has been working hard this offseason, spending extra time practicing his punt catching skills, and even had punter Chris Kluwe kick to him the day before Training Camp started on an empty practice field. 

When asked about Johnson, Special Teams Coordinator Brian Murphy replied: "Jaymar Johnson is not a guy that has to be chased down to work, he had very clear goals going into the offseason and he's worked every day—and when I say every day, I mean every day—to accomplish those goals that he has in mind."

What has helped Johnson make the jump from a practice squad player to a potential play-maker on Sunday? 

It would be his offseason workout.  Coach Brad Childress said that he was extremely impressed with Johnson this offseason, and noted that he is "on a mission" to make the team out of training camp this season. 

Johnson has apparently added 17 pounds this offseason, while lowering his body fat to an astonishing three percent.  His dedication, work ethic and athleticism has impressed even former Vikings WR and future Hall of Famer, Cris Carter:

"You could tell that he went to a school that didn't have a sophisticated passing attack, but he has phenomenal quickness and speed. Phenomenal. And his hands are better than you would think, from a guy that fast."

"He could start for the Vikings," said Carter.

Johnson, along with teammate and fellow WR Sidney Rice, took part in a Wide Receiver development camp that was hosted by all time greats Jerry Rice and Cris Carter, as well as NFL Superstar Larry Fitzgerald, prior to Training Camp. 

Johnson's participation in this camp may have been just what he needs to help him stand above his competition and win a spot on the Vikings final roster.