10 bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings 2023 season

Prediction No. 4

K.J. Osborn will have more catches than Jordan Addison

The Vikings were really excited to get Jordan Addison in the first round of the draft, but it’s possible that K.J. Osborn will have a bigger impact as the No. 2 receiver this year.

Osborn has been an interesting breakout candidate over the past two seasons as he’s flashed behind Adam Thielen. While Thielen took the bulk of the work opposite of Jefferson, Osborn had his moments, catching a game-winning touchdown pass against Carolina in 2022 and playing a massive role in the Vikings’ comeback against the Indianapolis Colts last December.

This has some believing that Osborn could wind up with a bigger role this year, but those dreams were shattered when Addison was added in the draft. But Osborn could have one advantage over the rookie in that he’s already familiar with O’Connell’s system.

One year ago, Thielen admitted that his head was “swimming” trying to learn the new scheme, and Cousins was resorting to flashcards and listening to play calls in his truck in order to get everything down. While Addison has plenty of talent, there might be a learning curve before he officially becomes a top target in the Vikings offense.

This could be a moot point as T.J. Hockenson is in line to be the No. 2 target behind Jefferson, but there could be enough to go around, and Osborn’s familiarity could give him an inside edge during Addison’s rookie season.