Who's the Next KJ Osborn?

Osborn struggled as a returner in his rookie season. He played in nine games, returning seven punts for 27 yards and 14 kicks for 303. He also fumbled twice. He had zero targets, zero receptions, and zero yards as a receiver. That’s none, for those of you keeping score at home. Last year, Osborn relinquished his receiving duties but emerged as the WR3 in camp.

Osborn partnered with Justin Jefferson and Jarvis Landry to train in Florida in his first NFL offseason. He also worked with three different training companies with various focuses, from strength and conditioning to receiver-specific drills. Through work ethic and a better understanding of the game, Osborn positioned himself to take advantage of the attention Jefferson and Adam Thielen received from opposing secondaries. Osborn finished last season with 50 receptions and 655 yards receiving.

He put up those numbers playing for Mike Zimmer, who preferred to run the ball and focused on defense. In 2022, he’ll be playing in Kevin O’Connell‘s modern offense. O’Connell seems to believe he can unlock something in Cousins by using the “illusion of complexity” and 11 personnel. That means there will be three receivers, a tight end, and a running back in Minnesota’s base formation.

Osborn hasn’t just turned himself into a viable option for the Vikings. They’re going to need him. Assuming Irv Smith Jr. stays healthy, defenses are going to have to focus on him in addition to Jefferson and Thielen. Furthermore, O’Connell may use Dalvin Cook more as an “offensive weapon” rather than strictly a running back. Therefore, Osborn should get plenty of open space to work with. He has an opportunity to shine, and he’s earned it.

The Vikings reached for Osborn and miscast him as a returner. Still, he’s established himself as the third receiver option on a team that will use one in their base offense. That alone is cause for a helmet-less celebration.