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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn was the 176th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Osborn had a solid college career. He started at Buffalo, totaling 96 receptions for 1,490 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns during his three years in school.
The young receiver transferred to Miami before the 2019 season. That year Osborn had 50 receptions for 547 receiving yards and five touchdowns. More importantly, he led the team in all three categories that season.
Osborn didn’t have a target during his rookie season, playing only on special teams. However, things changed in 2021. The former Miami receiver played 68% of the offensive snaps, totaling 50 receptions on 82 targets for 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
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What Did K.J. Osborn Accomplish In 2022?
Some thought Osborn would have a third-year breakout last season. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, as Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen were the Vikings’ top two wide receivers. Furthermore, the team acquired T.J. Hockenson at the trade deadline.
However, the former Miami receiver had a productive season. Osborn totaled 60 receptions on 90 targets for 655 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2022, setting carer highs in receptions and targets.
Should I Draft K.J. Osborn?
Earlier this offseason, Minnesota released Thielen in a salary cap-saving move. Some called Osborn a trade target in dynasty leagues, as he was the favorite to take over as the No. 2 wide receiver for the Vikings. However, things didn’t turn out that way.
Minnesota used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Jordan Addison. Last year the former Trojan had 59 receptions for 875 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games last season at USC. While the Vikings listed Osborn as the No. 2 wide receiver on the depth chart earlier today, everyone believes Addison will have more targets this year.
However, the former Miami wide receiver will play a pivotal role in 2023. The Vikings use a lot of three wide receivers sets. Last season Osborn played 75% of the snaps on offense, a career-high.
While Osborn will play a critical role on offense for the Vikings this season, should fantasy players draft the former Miami receiver? The answer is no. The passing attack will go through Jefferson, Hockenson, and Addison, leaving limited targets for the fourth-year wide receiver.
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