Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Jefferson Recognized for Elite Debut
Jefferson is the fourth Vikings rookie wide receiver to be named to the Pro Bowl, following the likes of Sammy White (1976), Randy Moss (1998) and Percy Harvin (2009). Those three players also won Offensive Rookie of the Year, an award Jefferson could soon capture, too.
But the former LSU standout is a Pro Bowler in his first season after being the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jefferson leads the Vikings with 73 catches, which is also a Vikings rookie record. Additionally, he has 1,182 receiving yards, joining Moss (1,313) as the only two players to break the 1,000-yard mark as rookies in Vikings history.
The 21-year-old leads all rookie wide receivers in receptions and yards and is second in touchdown catches with seven.
Jefferson joined the Vikings after a stellar career at LSU and has produced six 100-yard performances in 2020. That is also a Vikings rookie record.
"One of the things that really stands out to me is when Justin came out, I think he had 100-plus catches his last year [at LSU], and like 90 of them or something were in the slot. They were inside," Kubiak said. "So there was a lot of chatter that he was an inside, slot receiver and man, I kept looking at him athletically and his length and those type of things … I think the biggest thing is the fact he's been able to play all over the place.
"He's made as many catches outside as he has inside … but I just think his overall game is what's been really impressive. To move around on the field, go outside, have to get physical with corners, come inside and work against nickels – those types of things," Kubiak added. "I think that's been probably the thing that happened maybe a lot quicker than we thought it would. You've got to give him the credit with that."