4 major standouts from Week 1 of Vikings 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
K.J. Osborn – WR
Justin Jefferson has shone brightly as expected. Not unsurprising when one considers his ambitions to become the NFL’s best wide receiver in 2022 if he isn’t there already.
However, the continued growth of K.J. Osborn is also something that’s caught the eye over the first week of Minnesota Vikings training camp.
Osborn was the breakout star in 2021 after emerging from nowhere to become a true No. 3 option. This is something the Vikings have lacked behind Jefferson and Adam Thielen, so there could be more involvement for the Miami product under a progressive head coach with a fine pedigree of offensive success throughout his career.
It’s been a strong start to camp for Osborn, who has made some notable catches and looks explosive out of his routes. If the wideout can take another leap forward in 2022, then Minnesota has three receivers capable of going over 1,000 yards providing everyone stays clear of injuries.
Perhaps a virtual redshirt rookie season was the best thing for Osborn’s development overall, even if the player didn’t realize it at the time. Having two Pro Bowl-caliber options working alongside the third-year pro doesn’t hurt either.