Minnesota Vikings: Top 3 targets on offense in 2020

3. Justin Jefferson

For the last few seasons, the Vikings have held one of the top wide receiving units in the NFL headlined by wideouts Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

This offseason, however, that unit took somewhat of a hit when Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills leading into the NFL Draft. That leaves Thielen as the lone top target in the passing game on offense going into the new season in 2020.

As the Vikings look for others to step up on the outside of the field right away this year, one player that could experience a breakout year on offense early on in his professional career is incoming rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was selected by Minnesota out of LSU in the opening round of April’s NFL Draft.

Jefferson will immediately give Cousins and the Minnesota offense another target in the passing attack and provides the Vikings with an affordable piece on the outside of the field for at least the next few seasons. While serving as a nice compliment to Thielen and others throughout the rest of the field, Jefferson could very well end up emerging as a top target within this offense in year one.

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 might be able to emerge as the No. 2 option for Minnesota at wide receiver and could be a nice compliment to Thielen and others. During his rookie campaign, Jefferson will certainly have a chance to perform early and often.