5 receivers the Vikings could draft to replace Stefon Diggs
By Luke Parrish
Justin Jefferson (LSU)
I was going to devise a way to trade up for Jerry Jeudy in the first round, but we’ll just have the Vikings keep their current picks instead.
If Minnesota decides to go wide receiver with the 22nd overall pick, Justin Jefferson makes a ton of sense. Jefferson exploded for LSU in 2019 and he has emerged as a potential first-round pick after a strong performance during this year’s NFL Scouting Combine.
He excels out of the slot and he can win big after the catch. Jefferson is strong over the middle and he is one of the most reliable receivers you will find.
Fans will love Jefferson because of his willingness to come back for the ball and give his quarterback options. On extended plays at LSU, Jefferson always seemed to come back towards the line and make a play. I like Jefferson’s ability to run routes, mostly because of his filthy head fakes that send defenders to no man’s land.
2019 was very kind to Jefferson and the LSU Tigers. The junior wide receiver finished the season with 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the nation and he looks to perform at a similar level in the NFL.
Jefferson is quickly rising up boards and is expected to land somewhere in the top 30 of this year’s draft. The Philadelphia Eagles, who currently hold the 21st overall pick, are the only real threat to the Vikings in this scenario. If they pass him up, Minnesota will have a serious decision on their hands.