The first official padded practice is in the rear-view mirror for the Vikings, in a week where they should be going over their first preseason game. Transitioning from college to the NFL can be a difficult task for rookies, especially with a limited offseason and no preseason games.
Justin Jefferson seems to be picking up the playbook rather quickly, as he has drawn comparisons between Gary Kubiak’s offense and what he ran at LSU.
“We pretty much ran the exact same offense [at LSU], just different terminology,” Jefferson said to reporters. “Actually, being in that pro-style offense last year, it kind of helped me with what I’m going through now. It’s kind of easier to pick up plays, concepts, so just being here is kind of making my life a little bit easier.”
A smooth transition into the next level for Jefferson will be huge for the Vikings, who lost a lot of their 2019 targets when Stefon Diggs was traded.
Jefferson is a smooth route runner and has great run after the catch ability. He did the majority of his damage from the slot in LSU’s offense last season, but also led the nation in contested catch rate.
On top of his elite skill sets at the position, Jefferson’s productivity helped lead LSU to an undefeated, National Championship season in 2019. He totaled 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Replacing a guy like Diggs is never an easy task, but what Jefferson brings to the table should have the team’s coaching staff excited for what’s to come. Bisi Johnson has also turned heads in his second training camp, meaning the Vikings depth at the receiver position could be getting a much-needed boost in 2020.