Vikings Receiving Corps Ranked 7th in NFL by PFF
In recent years, the NFL has seen massive growth in terms of the passing game, making wide receivers as well as pass-catching tight ends and running backs all the more valuable across the league. One of the premier players at the wide receiver position heading into 2023 is Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, who won the Offensive Player of the Year back in 2022.
As a result, the Vikings receiving corps places as one of the elite groups in the league, according to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. Here is a look at what Sikkema had to say of Minnesota’s pass catchers heading into the new season:
Thank Justin Jefferson for the Vikings ranking in the top 10. Outside of Jefferson, Minnesota has T.J. Hockenson at tight end, a viable option for them. But then it’s K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor and rookie Jordan Addison.
Still, Jefferson carries due to his three straight elite receiving grades. His 92.5 receiving grade over all three campaigns ranks third to only Davante Adams (94.2) and Cooper Kupp (92.6).
Sikkema, of course, agrees that Jefferson is the biggest reason for the Vikings success over the past years. It’s hard not to say so when he led the league in receptions and receiving yards last year, totaling 128 catches and 1809 yards, respectively.
However, the remaining group seems to be a bit undersold here. Sure, Adam Thielen’s departure leaves a bit of an unknown at the WR2 spot, but the trio of Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and K.J. Osborn should be very successful next year.
In 10 games with the Vikings, Hockenson caught 60 passes for Minnesota, joining Travis Kelce as the only two tight ends to grab 60 passes over a 10-game stretch last season. His 914 receiving yards also ranked second in the league among tight ends, behind only Kelce.
If nothing else, Osborn has been a consistent presence for the Vikings offense for the past two years as well. After catching 50 passes for 655 yards in 2021, he followed it up with a showing of 60 receptions for 650 yards in 2022. He’s proving to be an increasingly vocal leader for the offense as well, and perhaps he can replace Thielen in this regard.
Finally, Jordan Addison was one of the most prolific receivers out of the slot during his time in college and showcased some versatility during his sole season at USC. If Jefferson and Osborn were to man the outside receiver spots, this would allow Addison to take advantage of the slot.
Minnesota comes in behind the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys on Sikkema’s list.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.