NFL Coach Praises Vikings’ Justin Jefferson: ‘Best Route Runner in All of Football’
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJuly 17, 2024
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson garnered high praise as he led the way in Jeremy Fowler’s annual positional rankings for ESPN.
One wide receivers coach told Fowler that Jefferson is “the best route-runner in all of football in my opinion.”
A personnel official summed up what makes Jefferson stand out: “Play speed. Constant production. Instincts. Elite hands. Do-it-all route-runner.”
Jefferson eclipsed 1,000-plus receiving yards for the fourth straight season in 2023 despite being limited to 10 games. His 107.4 yards per game were a career best and second in the league behind the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill (112.4).
NFL @NFLThese 2023 Justin Jefferson catches are nothing short of spectacular š„@JJettas | @Vikings pic.twitter.com/GfYwCJ4QIG
When Fowler conducted this exercise in 2022, Jefferson was the No. 4 wideout and trailed former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase. He followed up with an NFC personnel director who said Chase was “faster and stronger and can do more with the ball in his hands.” The personnel official then said that “you’re not scared of [Jefferson] taking the top off your defense, even if he’s going to get 11 for 150 on you.”
Now, there isn’t much dispute as to where Jefferson stands among his peers. Even if he’s more of a volume receiver than a downfield terror in the Hill or Chase mold, the three-time Pro Bowler’s impact and production are undeniable.
