The Minnesota Vikings were looking for a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft, and walked away with one of the best in LSU’s Justin Jefferson.
The team decided to move Stefon Diggs, which removed $10.9 million from the cap. It was a good time to trade him, with the 2020 draft’s deep wide receiver group. Jefferson will now look to be a complimentary piece to Adam Thielen.
Jefferson was highly productive in 2019 with Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow throwing to him. He accumulated 18 touchdowns and 1,540 yards on 111 receptions. With Kirk Cousins now the quarterback for Jefferson, look for him to try and hit the ground running in 2020. Along with Tajae Sharpe and Thielen, this trio is looking to make the offense more explosive in 2020. Not to mention they have an explosive running back in Dalvin Cook who can also help these pass catchers.
Much like Diggs did for years, Jefferson can win with the ball in the air. He will go up and high point the ball with catches outside of his frame. Very good catch radius and always seems to catch the ball when the offense needs a drive extending play. When the ball is in the air, Jefferson shows off great body control when off his feet. With soft hands that will snatch the ball out of the air, he will be a quarterback’s best friend. Someone that Kirk Cousins will definitely appreciate.
Jefferson isn’t just an outside receiver, he can win from the slot as well. Gary Kubiak can move him around to set up the best matchups for the offense. Very good blocker as well for Cook when he gets to the second and third levels. Jefferson couldn’t have fallen into a better situation as he is projected to start immediately.
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