Justin Jefferson - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Minnesota Vikings have actually been out of the news a little bit recently. This time of year, as we have learned in summers past, quiet is not a bad thing.
Of course, that will all change later this month when they return to TCO Performance Center for the start of 2026 training camp.
In the meantime, despite a dearth of storylines, mainstream media outlets are trying to ramp up football content in preparation for the onslaught of traffic once camp closes in. That’s why you see so many “rankings” posts this time of year.
NFL still wowed by Minnesota Vikings WR, Justin Jefferson…
But over at ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler does his positional rankings a bit differently, using all of his connections around the league to create a ranking system built on the opinions of active NFL coaches, executives and scouts.
In other words, this is how decisionmakers and talent evaluators view current players in the NFL. Which brings us to Fowler’s recently released wide receiver rankings, where Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson holds down the No. 2 spot.
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 2
Jefferson, a past No. 1 on this list with a historic six-year start to his career, did not vie for the top spot as strongly as he has in years past. But he registered No. 1 or No. 2 votes on around 70% of the ballots, with several voters considering him a cut above the rest.
“I go by who I’d want on my team in a game or a season, and I still think he’s super talented,” an AFC executive said. “He’s a proven commodity that can do everything you need and can adapt to any defensive look.”
ESPN
What’s most interesting about Jefferson’s ranking, is not that he sits behind former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase. Instead, it’s that he kept his No. 2 WR ranking, despite coming in light years behind those around him.
Spot the glaring difference between Jefferson and other top WR’s on ESPN list
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, for example, ranked right behind Jefferson. He finished last season with 119 receptions for 1793 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, compared to Jettas’ 78 receptions, 1048 yards and measly 2 touchdowns with the Minnesota Vikings.
And it’s not just JSN who stands out as statistically superior to JJ. Every other receiver in ESPN’s top five had at least 119 receptions for 1400 receiving yards and 8 or more touchdowns in 2025.
ESPNRank Wide Receiver 2025Rec 2025Rec Yds 2025Rec TD
1 Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) 125 1412 8
2 Justin Jefferson (MIN) 78 1048 2
3 Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) 119 1793 11
4 Puka Nacua (LAR) 129 1715 10
5 Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) 117 1401 11
ESPN
Related: MN Vikings Training Camp Report Dates Revealed
Obviously, those around the NFL see what Justin Jefferson can do, when they flip on a game from week-to-week or while watching film sessions. However, to be considered one of the league’s best, Minnesota’s 4x Pro Bowler and 2x All-Pro will have to put up bigger numbers in 2026.
That’s where Kyler Murray comes into play. If he is ready week one, then I expect Justin Jefferson’s numbers to go right back through the roof. If Murray struggles, and JJ fails to put up high-end numbers for the second-straight season, then it wouldn’t surprise me if the 27-year-old is demanding a trade next offseason.
In the Vikings' upcoming QB competition, the key figure isn't Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy. It's Justin Jefferson. pic.twitter.com/KxnUMxrC62
— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) July 14, 2026
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