K.J. Osborn – Page 14 – Syndication Server

Three keys to success for Vikings special teams

The Vikings special teams unit performed well in several different aspects in 2019. Here’s how it can stay that way.

Minnesota has been tormented with inconsistent kicker play for years, but Dan Bailey’s resurgent 2019 helped ease some worries.

Bailey, after making 75% of his field goal attempts for two seasons in a row, went 27-29 last season for the Vikings. If he stays at or near that sort of production, the Vikings won’t have to worry about the kicker position.

The return game is more up in the air, though.

On punt returning, Mike Hughes led the team with 14 attempts in 2019. Hughes, however, might earn a bigger role on the defense after departures in free agency at cornerback.

The team also used Marcus Sherels, who had six returns. Sherels has a 50-50 chance of retiring, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.

On kickoffs, the Vikings mostly utilized Ameer Abdullah, who they re-signed this offseason. Abdullah led the team with 13 attempts.

The Vikings special teams unit looked good at times in 2019. Here is what should stay the same and what else needs to happen, in order for the Vikings to find success in that area.

Pages: 1234

Vikings GM Rick Spielman: Miami WR K.J. Osborn has legitimate chance of winning return jobs

Would you like to see Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn become a return man for the Vikings?

[jwplayer utOYK92C-ThvAeFxT]

Minnesota picked a wide receiver in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, who has the potential to provide some value at a different position.

Not only can Osborn come in and compete for a wide receiver spot on the team, but Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said that the Miami product has a chance to win some jobs on special teams.

Osborn had 201 kick return yards on 10 attempts for the Hurricanes in 2019. On punt returns, he tallied 255 yards on 16 attempts in his final collegiate season.

“We think he has a legitimate chance of winning the punt return and the kickoff return jobs with his explosive speed and power,” Spielman told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press and other reporters.

Earlier in the offseason, Tomasson reported that a source told him there is a “50-50” chance that Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels will retire.

Sherels has been a historically good punt returner for the Vikings, but if he retires, Osborn could be a solid replacement. The Vikings return man next season — on punts and kickoffs — will certainly be a storyline to watch in 2020.

Minnesota drafts Miami WR K.J. Osborn with the 176th pick in NFL Draft

The Vikings have taken another wide receiver. Let’s welcome Miami’s K.J. Osborn.

The Vikings helped replace some of the production of Stefon Diggs when they took LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Diggs, the Vikings’ leading receiver in 2019, was traded to the Bills. Jefferson will help replace him, and maybe a wide receiver taken by the team later in the draft can help, too.

Minnesota drafted Miami wideout K.J. Osborn with the 176th pick in NFL Draft, a fifth-round choice. He had 547 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions for the Hurricanes in 2019, both of which were team highs.

After it took Jefferson at No. 22, Minnesota drafted TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney in the first round. The Vikings then picked Boise State tackle Ezra Cleveland.

Minnesota went and took Mississippi State corner Cameron Dantzler, Baylor defensive tackle James Lynch, Oregon linebacker Troy Dye and Temple corner Harrison Hand in the draft before this pick. I think at least some of those players have a good chance of starting for the Vikings in 2020.