2021 Position Recap: Wide Receivers

2 pressing questions for 2022

1.What does Jefferson have in store for Year 3?

Jefferson fell just 17 yards short of surpassing Moss’ single-season receiving record of 1,632 yards in 2021.

That’s about the only thing Jefferson hasn’t accomplished in his first two seasons in the league, as he’s twice-been named a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.

He is the only player in NFL history with 3,000-plus yards in his first two seasons, and is tied for the most receptions (196) in that timespan, too.

There is no question Jefferson is a superstar. He has emerged as a face of the Vikings, as well.

But he also wants to win, too, and has been frustrated by not making the playoffs or being above .500 in his first two seasons in Purple.

Jefferson will once again be a focal point of Minnesota’s offense in 2022, and there’s no reason to think he won’t put up more gaudy numbers.

2.Do the young wide receivers continue to step up?

Adam Thielen will be 32 years old by the time the 2022 season starts, and he is already entering his 10th season in the league.

Thielen said earlier this month that he feels good and is ready to keep making an impact going forward.

But he also won’t play forever, and the showings by Osborn and Smith-Marsette in 2021 could be pivotal for the offense in 2022, too.

Osborn was one of the season’s best developments, and it started from Week 1 on when Minnesota incorporated more three-receiver sets after tight end Irv Smith, Jr., was lost for the entire campaign. (Osborn’s first NFL touchdown in Arizona was quite the statement, too).

Smith-Marsette had a slow start but ended strong, and he could also be in line for more playing time if he continues to develop.

Entering 2022, the Vikings have a young star in Jefferson, a reliable veteran in Thielen and two emerging youngsters in Osborn and Smith-Marsette. Any team in the league would likely take that group.