Vikings Select Justin Jefferson with No. 22 pick in NFL Draft

Vikings seek to fill hole left by Stefon Diggs with Justin Jefferson

Sports Illustrated | Apr 23, 2020

The Minnesota Vikings selected WR Justin Jefferson with the No. 22 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Jefferson joined LSU as homegrown talent, as he was born in Louisiana and attended Destrehan High School in Destrehan, LA. Jefferson flashed a sign of things to come as he hauled in 44 receptions for 956 yards and 9 TD as a senior for the Wildcats.

During his sophomore year, Jefferson was leaned on as the main focal point of the Tigers' passing game. He was the Tigers’ leading receiver in 2018, as he hauled in 54 catches for 875 yards and six touchdowns. Jefferson’s draft stock soared after a breakout season during his junior year. He finished with 111 receptions, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2019. He tested well at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash and a 37.5-inch broad jump.

Jefferson would have been the first wide receiver off the board in most draft classes. However, the WR position was deep with super-talented players this year. A big target, Jefferson (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) can play in the slot and on the outside. He has great footwork and is lethal when he gets the ball in his hands. Jefferson had the advantage of catching passes from Heisman Trophy winner QB Joe Burrow en route to the Tigers’ 2020 National Championship victory.

Here’s why SI’s Kevin Hanson ranked Jefferson as the No. 16 overall player on his big board:

One of the biggest winners at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jefferson ran a faster-than-expected 40-yard dash (4.43). A nuanced route-runner with outstanding ball skills, Jefferson has the versatility to win both outside and from the slot.

2019 stats (Junior; LSU): 1,540 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns (15 games)

2018 stats (Sophomore; LSU): 875 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns (13 games)

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Published Apr 23, 2020