3 super early bold predictions for Vikings WR Justin Jefferson in 2021

Justin Jefferson, Vikings
NFL Analysis Network

You could hear the war room for the Minnesota Vikings rejoice during the 2020 NFL draft when the Philadelphia Eagles selected Jalen Raegor with the 20th overall pick in the draft— and for good reason. That meant that the Vikings were able to select LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson with the very next pick. He was the player that the organization wanted but did not think he would be on the board, and by right he should not have been.

Jefferson entered the league with a chip on his shoulder. He did not get as much hype as receivers like Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. Whatever motivation Jefferson needed, he clearly performed well leading the group of rookie wide receivers with 88 catches for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns. Jefferson put up the best rookie season for Minnesota since Randy Moss and even rivaled some of his numbers.

The Vikings underachieved as a team last season and will look to turn things around in 2021. Jefferson and Adam Thielen will lead the way for the offense, along with Dalvin Cook in the backfield. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the play of Kirk Cousins and whether or not he can lead the team past the Green Bay Packers. As the Vikings continue to beef up the offensive line, they know that they have a stud for a long time on the outside.

Jefferson was one of two draft picks for the Vikings in the first round. They acquired a second pick from the Buffalo Bills in a deal then sent them Stefon Diggs. Jefferson took over as a replacement and played the part well in his first year.

Justin Jefferson will look to avoid a sophomore slump this season. Here are three way-too-early predictions for the second year wide receiver.

3. Best Receiver In Class

Jefferson might have been the fifth receiver taken out of this class, but there is no doubt who had the best rookie season. He could have been named the Offensive Rookie of the Year, but we all know this is a quarterback-driven league so Justin Herbert won the award. As if they were still any question, Jefferson will put them all to bed this season.

The offense in Minnesota has a nice mix and Cousins is a quarterback who likes to throw the ball down the field. Jefferson is the perfect weapon for his skill set. The mix from the offense allows Cousins to get comfortable in the play-action game, which is one of his specialties.

If there were any doubters, Jefferson proved them all wrong. He stepped into a great situation that set him up for success with the Vikings. Moving forward, Jefferson will have to prove that it was not a fluke and he will do just that.

Jefferson was part of a dynamic offense for LSU that went 15-0 with Joe Burrow under center. He put huge numbers during the CFB Playoff and showed that he is a big-game player. He was made for the NFL and will continue to show that.

2. 100 Catches and 10 Touchdowns

Jefferson’s numbers were just silly during his rookie season. In his second year, Jefferson could look to improve further and reach a couple more milestones. 

He was 12 catches off of 100 as a rookie. He was targeted 125 times and that number could go up. This means that he will have more chances to stack receptions and that could lead to 100 catches. There is also one more game on the schedule beginning this season so that works in his favor. Jefferson has great hands and is a strong route runner. He can create separation using his speed and quickness on the outside.

Jefferson is a complete receiver and we saw that over the course of his rookie season. It will be interesting to see how the Vikings continue to work him into the offense even more this year.

1. Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson?

There is no doubt who is the best receiver in the NFC North. Davante Adams has dominated for the Packers over the course of his career. He is one of the top receivers in the game and an elite threat in the red zone. As long as Aaron Rodgers is under center, Adams will continue to his elite status.

With that being said, the second spot is up for grabs and it is not crazy to think that Jefferson can take over.

Allen Robinson received the franchise tag from the Chicago Bears, while Kenny Golladay left the division and is now with the New York Giants. Robinson has not had a steady quarterback in Chicago. Mitch Trubisky is now a backup in Buffalo and Andy Dalton will be under center for the Bears. This certainly does not get anyone excited for the upcoming season for Chicago.

Jefferson already showed that he has a chance to be one of the best receivers in the division. This notion could be solidified a lot sooner than originally expected.

If Justin Jefferson continues to put up the numbers he did as a rookie, there is no doubt that he will be viewed as the second best receiver in the division in no time. Once Rodgers leaves Green Bay, who knows what will happen and Jefferson could eventually take over the top spot.

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