The Minnesota Vikings have a rising star in their midst. Justin Jefferson, the talented wide receiver, has made his mark in the NFL and is now ranked No. 2 in the "NFL Top 100" list. This is the third time he has been included in the prestigious countdown.
During an interview, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor shared an interesting anecdote about Jefferson. Last year, when asked about the best receiver in the league, Jefferson humbly gave that title to Davante Adams. However, he confidently stated that in the following year, it would be him. And boy, was he right.
Jefferson had an outstanding third NFL season, leading the league with 128 catches for 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 106.4 yards per game. Not only did he dominate the statistical categories, but he also played a crucial role in the Vikings' historic comeback against the Colts. His unbelievable catch on fourth-and-18 against the Bills in Week 10 will be remembered for years to come.
It's not just fans and teammates who recognize Jefferson's talent. Former Viking and current Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson considers him the best in the league. Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell also acknowledged Jefferson's greatness when asked about the top player in the NFL.
The "NFL Top 100" list, established in 2011, ranks the top players in the league based on the votes of their peers. Jefferson's impressive performance earned him the No. 2 spot this year, a significant jump from his previous rankings at No. 53 in 2021 and No. 17 last year.
Joining Jefferson in the Top 100 are his teammates Harrison Smith at No. 97 and Kirk Cousins at No. 42. The Vikings have a formidable trio representing their team.
Teammate Adam Thielen, who played alongside Jefferson for the past three seasons before joining the Carolina Panthers, speaks highly of Jefferson's confidence and his desire to prove himself as the best. The bond between Jefferson and his former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase is evident, as Chase praised Jefferson's ability to separate himself from defenders. However, the NFL Top 100 segment highlighted not only Jefferson's skills but also his ability to make catches even when double- or triple-covered.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin also commended Jefferson for his production in high-pressure situations. Trust from the quarterback and the team is crucial, and Jefferson has certainly earned that trust.
One catch that perfectly exemplifies Jefferson's ability to thrive under pressure is his grab against the Buffalo Bills. It was a must-have situation, and Jefferson's catch kept the Vikings alive, leading them to a thrilling victory in overtime.
Justin Jefferson has proven himself as one of the NFL's brightest stars. His incredible talent, confidence, and clutch performances have earned him the recognition he deserves. As he continues to evolve and dominate the league, there's no doubt that Jefferson's name will be at the top of the list for years to come.
