It might be hard for some to believe, but star Minnesota Vikings pass-catcher Justin Jefferson actually was not the first wide receiver selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In fact, four receivers were drafted ahead of Jefferson in 2020. However, the Vikings pass-catcher has quickly emerged as the best of the bunch, and this was made even more clear with the massive contract extension that he was recently given by Minnesota.
So, who actually are the four wide receivers that were picked before the Vikings used the 22nd overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft on Jefferson, and what have they accomplished since entering the league?
Every WR picked before the Minnesota Vikings selected Justin Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft
1. Henry Ruggs III
Draft Position: 12th overall
Drafted By: Las Vegas Raiders
Career Stats (in 20 games): 50 catches, 921 yards, 2 touchdowns
For Henry Ruggs III, his career in the NFL came to a close in the middle of his second season with the Raiders after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless driving.
Last August, Ruggs pleaded guilty to felony DUI resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, and he is currently serving a sentence of three to 10 years in a Nevada State Prison.
2. Jerry Jeudy
Draft Position: 15th overall
Drafted By: Denver Broncos
Career Stats (in 57 games): 211 catches, 3,053 yards, 11 touchdowns
During his four years in the NFL, Jerry Jeudy has had a decent career, but his production has been nowhere near the level at which some believed he would reach when he was drafted in 2020.
Whether it's been because of drops, injuries, or the instability that the Broncos have had at the quarterback position since 2020, Jeudy just hasn't been able to live up to the hype he was given when he entered the league.
For 2024, the young wide receiver has been given a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns, who acquired him earlier this year in a trade with Denver. So, will this be the year that Jeudy finally emerges as a top receiver in the NFL?
3. CeeDee Lamb
Draft Position: 17th overall
Drafted By: Dallas Cowboys
Career Stats (in 66 games): 395 catches, 5,145 yards, 32 touchdowns
If not for Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb would easily be viewed as the best wide receiver to be selected in the opening round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Lamb has improved his receiving totals in each of his four years in the league, including last season when he hauled in 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
4. Jalen Reagor
Draft Position: 21st overall
Drafted By: Philadelphia Eagles
Career Stats (in 56 games): 79 catches, 937 yards, 4 touchdowns
After an underwhelming first two years with the Eagles, Jalen Reagor was traded to Minnesota right before the start of the 2022 season.
Despite the change in scenery, Reagor still struggled to make any sort of impact with the Vikings, and the team eventually cut him before the start of the 2023 campaign.
Shortly after his departure from Minnesota, he wound up landing with the New England Patriots, which is where he still is as he continues to attempt to stick around in the NFL.