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Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson Sets New WR Record

By Andrew Kim

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 05: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a catch during the first half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 05, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 05: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after a catch during the first half against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 05, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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History was in the making for the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, as Justin Jefferson breaks the record for receiving yards in their first two NFL seasons.

Debatably a top-five wide receiver currently in the league, Justin Jefferson had a dominant rookie season and was a candidate for offensive rookie of the year last year. The 22-year-old pass-catcher somehow followed up 2020 with a ridiculous campaign in 2021, surpassing Los Angeles Rams receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and his first two-season record for the most amount of receiving yards with 2,755 yards. Beckham previously broke the record as a New York Giant in 2015, surpassing Randy Moss (2,726 yards) and Jerry Rice (2,497 yards) but now the record is held by Jefferson with 2,758 yards and counting.

The Minnesota Vikings receiver is currently 2nd in receiving yards (1,451) and is 2nd in most receptions going for 20+ yards (24). With the 2nd most targets (149), the Minnesota pass-catcher is only behind Cooper Kupp in those particular stats. Jefferson is 5th in catches this year (97) and is tied for 6th in touchdowns (9 receiving with 1 rushing).

The 7-8 Vikings are coming off a 30-23 loss against the 11-4 Rams, as Jefferson was frequently tested by top cornerback Jalen Ramsey and won his fair share of matchups, ending up with 8 catches for 116 yards. Even though Minnesota is on the outside looking in on a potential playoff berth, it is easy to see that the receiving volume on the Vikings mainly funnels through Jefferson first and foremost as the priority target.

As the former 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, many teams regret not selecting him for other receiver prospects. The former LSU receiver was a big part of the legendary undefeated 2019 LSU Tiger team who won a national championship, as the single-season record holder for receptions that year (with 111 catches).

Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Jefferson is the number one top target for Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense. Even with weapons like Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook, nothing could stop the 2nd year receiver from superstar status as an emerging top receiver in the NFL.

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