The Vikings’ WR2 Opening Has Already Been Filled
K. Joudry
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Fans far and wide have been pushing for the Vikings’ WR2 opening to get some reinforcements.
Adam Thielen – a franchise great – is taking his pursuit of the elusive Lombardi to Carolina. Meanwhile, the Vikings appear set to move ahead with Justin Jefferson as Batman and K.J. Osborn in the role of Robin.
To my mind, that’s an excellent place to be. Osborn is capable of being a strong WR2, someone who will consistently make plays within a better-balanced Vikings offense in 2023. For whatever it’s worth, LB Brian Asamoah recently endorsed the tandem, insisting on social media that Minnesota boasts a top-level receiving twosome.
What can the team expect out of the 25-year-old receiver?
The Vikings’ WR2 Opening
Before free agency got started, I published a list of the free agents who made a lot of sense for the Vikings. A whopping 5 receivers made it onto the list: Mecole Hardman, D.J. Chark, Darius Slayton, Odell Beckham Jr., and Parris Campbell. Much of the focus was on adding a true burner, a speed demon capable of taking the top off the defense.
And, to be sure, if one happened to have signed and proven to be the best option opposite Jefferson, then the Vikings would have a new WR2. However, the team’s inaction should confirm what has long been evident: K.J. Osborn is a very capable option for the Vikings’ WR2 opening.
Going into the draft, Osborn had an impressive 8.13 RAS score. The Miami alumnus got dinged for his height and agility while being boosted by his speed and explosiveness.
Unfortunately, things got off to a rocky start in 2020. He had a grand total of 0 snaps on offense during his rookie season. Yes, a true shutout for snaps on offense. He was involved on special teams, seeing 119 snaps in the 9 games when he was active. Even still, a disappointing debut for the receiver.
As a sophomore, though, things took an unexpected turn: he piled up 774 snaps on offense. During that time, Osborn turned 82 targets into 50 catches, 655 yards, and 7 TDs. The 13.1 yards-per-catch average speaks to his capacity to win deep. In his opening season with Kevin O’Connell calling the shots, Osborn mostly replicated the 2021 numbers: 60 catches, 650 yards, and 5 TDs.
Thielen’s departure means there are 107 targets up for grabs. In all likelihood, T.J. Hockenson is going to get a robust amount of attention. In only 10 games with Minnesota, the TE had a whopping 86 targets. The Vikings are positioning themselves to give Jefferson somewhere between 150-200 targets. Afterwards, there will be 100+ targets for Hockenson.
The next option in the passing game is likely to be K.J. Osborn, who should see his first season of more than 100 targets. With a few more touches and a healthier per-catch average, Osborn could very reasonably flirt with 1,000 receiving yards in 2023.
The 2023 Receiver Outlook
Taking a 1st-round receiver isn’t unlikely. In fact, the team is doing some work to prepare for this precise possibility. Most recently, that has come in the form of meeting with Jordan Addison, a talented pass catcher whose unlikely to last beyond April 27th.
Nevertheless, Osborn maintains his spot as the leading candidate to start alongside Jefferson.
While talking with the media at the NFL Owners’ Meeting, Kevin O’Connell addressed the receiver position. The discussion, reasonably enough, began with Jefferson. As things proceeded, though, it became evident that the still-young HC is envisioning a prominent role for Mr. Osborn.
“I think K.J. showed – I think back to that Indianapolis game, Chicago that first 3rd down, huge catch down the field – just the versatility he has,” O’Connell explains. The coach continued: “And then really how he understands – he’s a really smart player – understands how he pairs with Justin and trying to beat some of that coverage that Justin tends to see.”
Very wisely, O’Connell is looking to feature #18. The WR1 is Minnesota’s clear-cut best player, the engine that allows the car to get to top speed. The broader goal is to have talent surrounding Jefferson that can keep pushing Minnesota’s offense forward in the journey. Osborn, Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Dalvin Cook (if he remains), and Alexander Mattison all come to mind. We may also see Jalen Nailor progress into WR3 duties as a deep threat.
Osborn enters the season on the final year of his rookie deal. He’s scheduled to carry a $2,809,943 cap hit.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
