At the NFL’s annual league meetings on Tuesday, Minnesota Vikings’ Head Coach, Kevin O’Connell, shared his thoughts with the media regarding the team’s wide receiver room, following the departure of Adam Thielen.
“Always a great starting point when you mention Justin Jefferson. He’ll always be our number one, he’ll always be our guy that we’re trying to a pass game around.”
It’s no surprise that O’Connell is continuing to give Jefferson a glowing endorsement. It’s been the theme all offseason since Jefferson established his place atop the NFL and led the league in yards and receptions last season.
The concern with the wide receiver room isn’t about Jefferson, it’s about the other receivers on the depth chart. O’Connell doesn’t appear to be concerned especially as it pertains to K.J. Osborn.
“The versatility he has and 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.”
O’Connell’s praise for Osborn proves that he’s comfortable with him having a significant role behind Jefferson this upcoming season. O’Connell also elaborated on the roles he envisions for Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor.
“Excited for a guy like Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor, to get a chance to really compete and have the ability in year two to play multiple spots, and handle that, which is really really important”
Overall, it seems that O’Connell is confident in the players currently on the roster. That confidence doesn’t necessarily mean that the Vikings won’t consider adding someone in the draft. Given the talent at wide receiver in this draft class, it would be wise to keep the door open.
