Vikings First Quarter Awards: Who are the team MVPs?
By Adam Carlson
Offensive Rookie of the First Quarter
Justin Jefferson – WR
When the season started and the Vikings had Bisi Johnson listed ahead of Justin Jefferson on their depth chart, fans knew it was only a matter of time before the rookie receiver leapfrogged Johnson and took on a starting role.
That role has been great for Jefferson. The young pass-catcher is great at creating separation and making himself available for Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins. Considering the attention Adam Thielen can get at times, having another option is great for the Vikings passing game.
Through four games, Jefferson leads the team in receiving yards with 348. That is exceptionally impressive considering his first two games only saw him get 70 yards on five catches. Since then, his next two appearances saw him rack up 278 receiving yards.
Jefferson will be a big contributor going forward and he should be a strong contender for this season’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year if he can continue to play the way he has during the last four games. It is very exciting to watch this youngster play and he will likely keep getting better as he continues to gain experience.