Xs and Os: How Drafted Receivers Could Make Biggest 1st Splash for Vikings

[Viktor]

Where He Could Play: Osborn was asked whether he is better on the outside or in the slot and said, "Ah, it really doesn't matter to me."


"I feel like I had the most success in the slot when I was at Buffalo when my quarterback was Tyree Jackson, but I'm really comfortable anywhere I play, inside and outside, my whole career," Osborn said. "So, yeah, whatever helps the team win."


Spielman said Janocko and Kubiak liked the opportunity of being able to develop Osborn's "natural ability" and that interactions between scouts and Osborn, as well as analytics, all pointed to a positive outlook.


"There are a lot of things, not only from a football standpoint and a potential return standpoint, but also from the quality of person he is and how much true passion; he does love to play," Spielman said.


As the GM mentioned, special teams might be Osborn's best introduction to the NFL. He finished his college career with an average of 12.1 yards per return (594 yards on 49 returns). That average was highlighted by his whopping 15.9 yards per return (255 on 16) at Miami.


Coachspeak: "One of the first things that jumped out at me about K.J. is that in the draft, there were a few players who were grad transfers, guys that had a good career somewhere, graduated, transferred to a particular school, and then it was like, 'OK, how'd they do?'


"Well this kid went from Buffalo, to the University of Miami, we all know about Miami's program through the years, and he walks in there, he becomes a leader on their football team, he's very productive in what they did, and he was a great specials player and returner. So that's number one – he has a lot of character, because that's not easy to do.


"When I watch him play, I just think there's a big upside here. I think offensively we can kind of bring about some more of his talents in what we ask him to do as a receiver, but I think he's definitely going to help our team and help move us from a return standpoint. So, I see upside here. We're very fortunate to get him. I really like what he stands for as a person, because that never changes. When guys come into our league, I think that gives them a chance to be a real pro very quickly."


— Kubiak