For football fan’s of the last 25 years, I’m sure they remember the Vikings wide receiver trio coined “Three Deep”. For those who haven’t, that late 90’s early 00’s group consisted of Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. Well, now its 2022, and the Vikings once again have an iteration of “Three Deep”. Led by all-world receiver Justin Jefferson, redzone monster Adam Thielen, and third year surprise KJ Osborn.
Justin Jefferson Is “That Dude”
Justin Jefferson’s route running, hands, ability to create separation, and YAC ability has turned him into one of the elite WRs in the game. Per Statmuse.com, since 2020 he has been the leading wide receiver in yards (3,016) and shows no signs of slowing down. Couple that with the addition of offensive minded Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and Jefferson has even more room to grow.
Justin Jefferson "excited" in Vikings offense under Kevin O'Connell: "It's not a run-first offense anymore"https://t.co/Nlveju0IvB pic.twitter.com/PhxqbaJkW2
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 24, 2022
Adam Thielen Is the Proven Veteran
Next up is the home-town hero, Adam Thielen. Pundits say AT has lost a step, 2018 being the last season he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving on the season. What they don’t think about is how he was used. Thielen has been a monster in the redzone catching 20 of his last 24 touchdowns within the 20 yard line. According to NFLsavant.com, that ranks second only to Davante Adams. That’s some pretty good company wide receiver to be in.
This coming season I once again expect Thielen to be a favorite target of QB Kirk Cousins. Adam Thielen has scored the 3rd-most receiving TDs since the start of 2020 as the 33rd most-targeted WR in the NFL during the timeframe.
KJ Osborn Is Ready To Put The League On Notice
Finally we come to the Wild Card third year wide receiver, KJ Osborn. Most people don’t know much of the former 2020 5th round draft pick out of Miami. His rookie season consisted of punt and kick return duties returning a total of 21 kicks for 330 yards. Based off these underwhelming numbers, expectations were low. Osborn came into 2021 with a bang posting 167 yards and 1 TD. As the number 3 guy behind the prolific wide receiver duo of Jefferson and Thielen, he ended up with 50 catches, 655 yards, and 7 TD’s. Osborn seems poised to really breakout in 2022 with the new high flying Viking offense.
KJ Osborn is poised for a breakout season 🔥
11 Personnel Ran in 2021:
LAR: 86% of plays (1st in NFL)
MIN: 47% of plays (28th in NFL)
WR3 Route Participation in 2021:
LAR (Van Jefferson): 86.1%
MIN (K.J. Osborn): 78.1%👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/4L0n5n2dRC
— Vikings Nation (@vikingsnationmn) June 23, 2022
In Conclusion:
The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver corps is one that could turn heads this year. From proven veteran to all star to breakout candidate. Additionally it was widely believed that Mike Zimmer’s defense minded approach limited the aerial assault on offense. That wont be the case on Kevin O’Connell.
