Can K.J. Osborn evolve into a starting-caliber receiver in 2022?

Have the offseason changes by the Minnesota Vikings opened a window for K.J. Osborn to leap into the next tier of NFL wide receivers?

The 2021 NFL season revealed plenty of the weaknesses of the Minnesota Vikings. But it also spotlighted some promising moments for the Vikings that, if addressed correctly, will help the team return to the playoffs and re-establish themselves among the league’s most competitive teams in 2022.

One Minnesota player who shined bright and demanded attention throughout the previous campaign was none other than wide receiver K.J. Osborn.

The second-year pro broke out with 50 receptions for 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 82 targets through 17 games. These numbers are quite respectable considering he was basically the fourth receiving option in the Vikings’ passing attack last season.

While his statement performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 stands out as the climax of his sophomore year, it’s worth remembering Osborn made an immediate impact by setting the tone of the offense as early as Week 1.

How high should the expectations of Minnesota Vikings WR K.J. Osborn be in 2022?

After hauling in seven passes for 76 yards in his true regular season debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, he followed up that performance by adding 5 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

These were only a couple of games where Osborn capitalized on his opportunities. Now, heading into the 2022 NFL season with a new coach and offensive strategy, the third-year pro is primed to continue his rapid upward trend and establish himself as an every-week threat.

Fan favorite Adam Thielen is turning 32 this season and is working to come back from season-ending ankle surgery. No one wants the red zone threat to miss any more time, but any developments that result in Thielen being sidelined put Osborn in the spotlight.

Even if Osborn isn’t asked to step into a WR2 role, Kevin O’Connell’s offense will certainly put the playmaker into a lot of key situations to make some magic happen. Last year, Van Jefferson recorded 50 receptions for 802 yards and six touchdowns. The numbers were aided by injuries to Odell Beckham Jr. and Robert Woods, which loosely parallels an undesired potential outcome the Vikings could face.

He’s already established himself as a player who can contribute to any 53-man roster for years to come, but the next couple of seasons will determine if he moves forward as a depth player or evolves into a weapon on the starting line.

Entering the final years of his rookie deal, it’s not too crazy to think Osborn position himself to usurp Adam Thielen when the time comes. Expect quite a few more highlight reel moments from the 25th wide receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.