Justin Jefferson is calling his shot ahead of the 2022 season.
During an interview with Complex.com, the Minnesota Vikings wideout gave Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams the ultimate respect by claiming he’s the best in the league right now. But by the end of the season, Jefferson believes he’ll overtake him as the No. 1 player at the position.
“I’ll say after this year I’ll be the best receiver in the NFL,” said Jefferson. “I definitely have to give it to Davante Adams as of now, him being so crazy and dynamic on the field. His route running is crazy, so I definitely have to give it to him right now, but I’m pretty sure after this year, it’s going to be me.”
There are good reasons for Jefferson’s confidence heading into the season with the obvious being the fact that it’s his third year in the league.
He hauled in 108 receptions for 1,616 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2021, broke the NFL record for most receiving yards for a player’s first two seasons and nearly surpassed Randy Moss’ franchise record for most single-season receiving yards for the Vikings (1,632).
That’s an impressive list of accomplishments for a 23-year-old receiver that hasn’t even reached his peak yet.
And this time, he’ll have Kevin O’Connell, the former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, as his head coach. O’Connell oversaw the same offense that featured Cooper Kupp’s historic season with 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The thought of Jefferson’s potential in the same offense should terrify opposing defenses. He isn’t just coming for a seat at the table with the other top receivers in the league this season.
He’s coming for the throne.
[listicle id=64867]