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.
