Vikings find Diggs' replacement, pick Justin Jefferson with No. 22
With the pick they received from trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings used the 22nd overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft on LSU receiver Justin Jefferson.
Diggs' departure left an immediate hole in the spot opposite Adam Thielen. Jefferson went for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in a national championship-winning season for the Tigers.
He added four touchdowns in a College Football Playoff semifinal win over Oklahoma in December.
Prospect Profile
School: LSU
Height: 6-1
Weight: 202 lbs
Positives
- Elite production as a top-two option in LSU's offense last season
- Good size and plenty of speed to challenge in all areas of the field
- Deadly from the slot on quick passes and run-pass options
- Excellent on contested catches - has the physicality to fight for the ball and the awareness to locate or high-point it
- Works very well in the middle of the field and can find the soft spots in zones
- Quick, strong, reliable hands with great reflexes to snag the ball late
- Sets up defensive backs and changes up speeds on releases
- Crisp route-runner with loose hips to change direction
Negatives
- LSU's scheme led to a number of easy catches
- Contact knocks him off of his route easily
- Has some trouble separating from tight man coverage late in his route
- Rarely faced press coverage in college
- Average explosion on his release
Bottom Line
Jefferson was one of the many beneficiaries of the Tigers and Joe Burrow's breakout season, but he still offers a number of high-quality traits that will translate to the NFL. He's an excellent route-runner and is among the best pass-catchers at hauling in 50-50 balls despite his average size. At the very least, the national champion profiles as a reliable slot weapon that fits into any scheme. But considering he's still just 20, Jefferson has room to grow into so much more.