The NFL draft was and will always be an inexact science. Look no further than the 2020 edition when the Philadelphia Eagles picked wide receiver Jalen Reagor, just before wideout Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings swooped in on Jefferson with the 22nd overall pick.
This was a topic of discussion in Jefferson's interview with Tyler R. Tynes of GQ.
“At first, I thought it was Philly. But, I answered the phone and it was Minnesota,” Jefferson recalled. “It’s crazy how all of that happened and everything. But, I’m definitely, definitely, definitely excited that I’m on the Vikings rather than Philly.”
Although Minnesota finished with a 7-9 record, the team is in a much, much, much better situation than the Eagles. The Vikings have a much more complete roster than Philadelphia.
“I’ll always treat every game the same, no matter who I’m playing,” Jefferson remarked. “But Philly will definitely be edgier. You know, especially because they passed on me.”
When Minnesota traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the pick that was eventually used on Jefferson, there were some concerns. After all, players that just had back-to-back 1,000-receiving yards do not grow on trees. However, that deal has ended up being one of the few win-win trades in the NFL.
Diggs would end up leading the league in receiving yards with 1,535, while Jefferson finished his rookie campaign with 1,400. Jefferson broke the legendary Vikings WR Randy Moss' rookie record of 69 catches with 88 receptions.
Jefferson is already looking like one of the brightest stars in the league and was named an All-Pro at just 21-years old. Surely, teams will key in on the talented wideout more next season, but barring any injury, he should be a lock to get well over 1,000 receiving yards once again.
Follow Us
Subscribe