Justin Jefferson was the fifth wide receiver taken in the NFL Draft. Now, he’s in line to be an All-Pro for years to come.
Draft position usually shouldn’t matter to a player. It’s all about where you land and how you advance your career.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a prime example of draft location fraud. Drafted 22nd out of LSU, the former Tiger pounced at the opportunity to take over for Stefon Diggs, whom Minnesota traded that offseason. They also used the Buffalo Bills selection to add Jefferson as the No. 2 opposite Adam Thielen.
One year later, Jefferson is now the top target in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Although a QB-driven award, the pass-catcher has made the case to win Offensive Rookie of the Year over Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Five other receivers were taken over Jefferson. Now, he’s letting the NFL know he was taken five spots too late.
“I wanted to be the best receiver I can be,” Jefferson told NFL Network’s Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter on their podcast. “I didn’t want to really compare myself to the other rookie receivers. I wanted to be the best receiver in the league.”
Jefferson’s production has transformed him into a star
Coming out of LSU, Jefferson led the FBS with 111 receptions. Teams wondered if he was a product of Joe Brady and Joe Burrow’s success or if his 13.9 yards per catch would diminish at the next level.
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy, and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb were all considered the top three options, with Jefferson coming in roughly fourth or fifth. When the Philadelphia Eagles were on the clock, many believed this would be where he landed. Instead, the team added TCU’s speedster Jalen Reagor, leaving Minnesota open to draft Jefferson a pick later.
Jefferson was the only rookie receiver to break 1,000 yards on the season. His 88 receptions also were the most among first-year players. In Week 17, Jefferson broke Anquan Boldin’s rookie-receiving record, topping off the year with 1,400 yards.
Jefferson was named to the Pro Bowl and received second-team All-Pro votes. He also set the franchise’s rookie record in receiving yards set by Hall of Fame superstar Randy Moss.
Sometimes it’s best for those who wait. Jefferson might have sat for longer than he expected, but now he’s in the record books for many years to come.