Find a new punt returner
Like I said, Sherels might not be back, and the Vikings could use a returner who brings something different to the table, even if Sherels is on the team again.
K.J. Osborn, a wide receiver out of Miami that the Vikings drafted this year, could be that different dimension in the return game.
Sherels rarely makes mistakes, but isn’t a threat to pick up big yardage. In addition, Sherels ended his season with a muffed punt against the 49ers. He also bobbled a ball earlier in the game.
Osborn had 201 kick return yards on 10 attempts for Miami in 2019. On punt returns, he had 255 yards on 16 attempts in his final collegiate season.
Here’s what Spielman said about Osborn:
“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.
That bodes well for his chances, and I think he’d be a great fit on punt returns for the team.