4 Vikings players whose stock has risen during the 2020 season
By Dean Jones
Justin Jefferson – WR
Big things were expected of Justin Jefferson when the Vikings selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But what the wide receiver has displayed during his rookie campaign is nothing short of extraordinary.
Jefferson has made the smoothest of transitions to the NFL. He displays the polished route-running of a seasoned veteran and he has been one of the true success stories of the 2020 season. There is nothing the former LSU star cannot do in the passing game and not since the days of Randy Moss have the Vikings had a first-year-pro with such unrivaled promise.
Through 15 games this season, the young wideout has 79 receptions, 1,267 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and a 16.0 yards-per-catch average. Jefferson is bringing in 69.9 percent of balls thrown his way, he has broken five tackles, and he boasts one of the best grades for players at his position according to Pro Football Focus with an eye-catching mark of 90.3.
Minnesota struck gold with Jefferson and they are set to reap the rewards for years to come. There might be plenty of uncertainty in other areas of the field, but Mike Zimmer can head into the offseason safe in the knowledge that he possesses one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers who is only going to get better with more experience.