49ers Pro Bowl CB Richard Sherman praises Vikings rookie WR Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson has blown any rookie-year expectations out of the water, racking up 762 yards receiving and helping the Vikings offense not miss a beat with the departure of Stefon Diggs. Now he has managed to earn the praise of 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, who said that the first-year receiver is playing more like a star coming into his prime.

"I can't think of a comparison for him," Sherman said on the Cris Collinsworth Podcast. "He's very unique in his route-running. I think if you put some Marvin Jones, some Allen Robinson in there. At the top of his routes, he's very veteran. Even in his slants, he's able to put a little extra wiggle in a short amount of time that you have to run those routes. That's what's making it really, really difficult for defenders because he's a rookie and he's playing like he's a five-, six-year vet. "

It's hard to dispute any of Sherman's statements. Jefferson has been essential for Minnesota's offense this year. The Vikings are ninth in the league in yards per game this season. The WR draft class was incredibly deep this year, but most people expected Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, all selected before Jefferson, to be the best pass-catcher in year one. Yet Jefferson, the fifth receiver drafted this year, has shined.

The praise means extra coming from Sherman considering the cornerback is typically too busy feuding with wide receivers to give them much praise. What's next, Jalen Ramsey praising Josh Allen?