Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson isn’t merely the Vikings’ best rookie. He isn’t merely the most productive rookie receiver in a draft class filled with excellent prospects.
Jefferson is about two-thirds of the way through what could become one of the best seasons by a rookie receiver in NFL history, and he’s doing so despite a few disadvantages.
Jefferson didn’t get a full offseason to adapt to the pro game and the Vikings offense. He didn’t get to play in a single preseason game. He didn’t become a big part of the offense until Week 3.
He shares targets with a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in Adam Thielen, and he plays in an offense that emphasizes the run, with running back Dalvin Cook being treated as the team’s most valuable player for a second consecutive season.