5 most explosive players on the 2023 Minnesota Vikings

Player No. 3

K.J. Osborn - WR

When the Vikings drafted Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, many assumed he'd start from day one, as the head coach proclaimed multiple times on draft night. However, there's one man who isn't going down without a fight, and that is KJ Osborn.

Osborn has already defied the odds a few times in his career. Many assumed he'd be cut after a dismal rookie campaign, but he ended up working his ass off and became the Vikings' third wide receiver and one who had a knack for making game-clinching plays.

In year three, he continued to produce, catching 60 passes for 650 yards and five touchdowns. He knows he's going to be pushed by a rookie, but so far this offseason, he has been the guy stepping up in practice, making plays, and also becoming a mentor to younger players on the roster.

Osborn is in a contract year and will be looking for a big payday, whether it's with the Vikings or another team. He isn't going to just let Addison be the second receiver on this team. He will fight and compete to take that job, and it looks like he's got the early leg up.

This could easily be Osborn's biggest season, and those drive-extending catches or game-winners could come in droves in 2023.