Minnesota Vikings: 3 Early breakout candidates on offense in 2020

1. Justin Jefferson, WR

One of the biggest needs for Minnesota as the offseason progressed came at the wide receiver position, a position the Vikings have been pretty solid at in the past handful of years.

In past seasons, Minnesota has consisted of the dynamic duo of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs in the passing game to pair well with quarterback Kirk Cousins. But with Diggs now gone within that group, that leaves Thielen as the No. 1 option and leaves the door open for another player to move into that No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

One of the ways the Vikings addressed the need at wide receiver came in the opening round of the 2020 NFL Draft, when they selected LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson with their first selection. Jefferson will immediately give Cousins and the Minnesota offense another target in the passing game and provides the Vikings with an affordable piece on the outside of the field for at least the next few seasons.

During his three-year career at LSU, Jefferson wrapped up his time in college tallying career totals of 165 receptions for 2,415 yards and 24 touchdowns. In his senior season alone, he recorded 111 catches, 1,540 yards and 18 total touchdowns for the Tigers.

Jefferson is more of a slot receiver option that could counter the likes of Thielen within the Vikings offense. He has a big frame, is a great route-runner and can move all around the field, a few valuable assets for Minnesota to incorporate into things offensively.

Although he will be a rookie in 2020, Jefferson could emerge as the No. 2 option for Minnesota at wide receiver and could be a nice compliment to Thielen on the other side of the field. The Vikings will need players to step up in the passing game, and Jefferson will certainly have a chance to perform early and often as a professional.