Minnesota added a speedy and elite collegiate wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, which also fills out a positional need for the Vikings.
Jefferson tallied 111 receptions for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns with Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow throwing him the ball. Not only that, but LSU’s offensive line was one of the best, if not the best, in the NCAA.
Jefferson might not experience the same dominance in the NFL as he did at LSU, but he can still be a very solid wide receiver two alongside Adam Thielen.
He’ll arrive on a team with quarterback Kirk Cousins and an offensive line that improved last season, but still has a ways to go. Cousins was put into a system that emphasizes play-action passing and rollouts. The team also rushed the ball early and often.
I think it was a no-brainer for the Vikings to at least take a wide receiver relatively early in the NFL Draft. There was a question as to whether the team should pick one in the first round, considering this is a deep wide receiver class.
However, Jefferson is explosive, and the Vikings have thrived at times with two starting-caliber wide receivers in a Cousins-led offense. Overall, a very good pick.
Grade: A-
