Will K.J. Osborn Have An Expanded Role In The Vikings Offense? Fantasy Football Outlook

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Miami Hurricane had a productive final year in college, totaling 50 receptions for 547 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Osborn didn’t have a target as a rookie. He appeared in nine games, playing only on special teams. However, the young receiver had a productive sophomore season.

The former Hurricane had 50 receptions on 82 targets for 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2021.

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What Did K.J. Osborn Accomplish In 2022?

Last year Osborn saw his role increase. He had 60 receptions on 90 targets for 650 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2022. The 60 receptions and 90 targets were career highs for the third-year receiver.

Will K.J. Osborn Have An Expanded Role In The Vikings Offense?

Osborn will have an expanded role this upcoming season. Unfortunately, the Vikings had to release long-time starting wide receiver Adam Thielen last month because of their salary cap situation.

Over the past three years, the former undrafted free agent wide receiver totaled 211 receptions on 310 targets for 2,367 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns in 45 games. Furthermore, Thielen had 70 receptions on 107 targets for 716 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year.

With Thielen now a member of the Carolina Panthers, many believe Osborn will be Minnesota's new No. 2 wide receiver. However, that isn't a foregone conclusion. The Vikings could use their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on a wide receiver. Minnesota has the 23rd overall pick on Thursday night. A few potential targets are Zay Flowers from Boston College, Jordan Addison from USC, and Quentin Johnston from TCU.

If the team drafts a first-round wide receiver, it will severely hamper Osborn’s fantasy value next season. Furthermore, T.J. Hockenson is heading into his first full year as a member of the Vikings. Last year the former Iowa Hawkeye tight end had 60 receptions on 86 targets for 519 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. Over a 17-game pace, Hockenson would have totaled 102 receptions on 146 targets for 882 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season.

Fantasy players should be optimistic about Osborn next year. However, they should also be prepared for disappointment if the Vikings use their first-round pick on a wide receiver.

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