Justin Jefferson Surprisingly Joined on All-Pro Team
Ted Schwerzler
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If you have watched the Minnesota Vikings at all this season you know that Justin Jefferson has had a good year. Kirk Cousins’ top target trended towards Calvin Johnson’s single-season record for most receiving yards for a season, and there was never a point in which he didn’t look like arguably the best in the league. Now named to his first top All-Pro team, he’s not the Vikings’ only honoree.
There was never a point in which Justin Jefferson was going to miss out on being named an All Pro. He has racked up yardage in droves this season while leading the league in both receptions and receiving yards. Despite constantly facing top corners and safety help, the Vikings wideout has been nothing short of a superstar.
Over the course of the season, Jefferson has surpassed the likes of Vikings greats like Sammy White, Cris Carter, and Randy Moss for different accolades. Against the Detroit Lions he put up the first 200 yard performance of his career. He’s had highlight-reel catches, and he’s made the biggest plays with the biggest moments on the line. A three-time pro bowler and two-time 2nd-team All Pro, this 1st team inclusion is his first.
Somewhat surprisingly, Jefferson wasn’t alone for the Vikings. Long snapper Andrew DePaola, who is going to his first Pro Bowl, was also named a 1st-team All Pro. DePaola racked up 26 of the 50 first place votes to put himself among the prestigious honorees.
The wide receiver group is a good one. Former Green Bay Packers standout Davante Adams joins Tyreek Hill alongside Jefferson. Adams led the league in receiving touchdowns this year, and was the go-to target for the now departing Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Hill challenged Jefferson for the league lead in receptions and yards most of the season, but ultimately stumbled due to a tough late schedule and inconsistent quarterback play.
Vikings kick returner Kene Nwangwu was named as a 2nd team All-Pro, and it’s not at all surprising that the league has begun to take notice of the emerging star. There was hope from veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson that he would be included on an All-Pro team after seemingly having been snubbed from the Pro Bowl.
Peterson has put up consistent numbers all season, and his five interceptions trail only one other season during his career. On a defense in which he’s been the best cornerback, there should probably be extra credit given to a guy who has held down the defense for coordinator Ed Donatell.
This should not be the last time Jefferson makes an All-Pro team, but it’s certainly not something to take for granted:
As good as Jefferson is, it is incredibly hard to remain at such a high level of consistency. Minnesota is hoping this is just the beginning for their star.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
