Despite being a Michigan native, newly-signed New England Patriots receiver K.J. Osborn is already settling nicely into life in the northeast.
Osborn, a Ypsilanti native and former Minnesota Viking, told reporters on Wednesday that New England is starting to feel “like home.” Still, the 26-year-old is eager to showcase his abilities on the field.
“I’m excited to show the type of player I am, and to be able to help this team win,” Osborn said via videoconference. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity ahead.”
Following a standout final collegiate season with Miami, Osborn was the fifth round (No. 176 overall) by the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft. After essentially red-shirting first season in the NFL, the 5-11, 203-pound receiver finished the 2021 season with 655 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, both of which were third-most on the Vikings behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, respectively. For Osborn, the chance to play with such high-level talent at a young age was an experience he not only values, but also looks to build upon in New England.
“I've played with some great players … with Adam [Thielen] and JJ [Justin Jefferson], T.J. [Hockenson], J.A. [Jordan Addison], Dalvin [Cook,]” Osborn recalled. “I'm excited to get some more opportunities with the great players we have here.”
Osborn followed up his first true NFL season with a 60-catch, 650-yard season, in which he earned five receiving scores. He demonstrated an ability to be a notable playmaker during the Vikings’ Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, Osborn finished with 157 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. Trailing by 33 points, the Vikings came back and won 39-36 in overtime on December 17, the largest comeback in NFL history.
Three weeks later during Week 18, Osborn had the second 100-yard game of his career in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, finishing with 117 receiving yards on five receptions. Last season, Osborn caught 48 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns.
By his own admission, Osborn feels most comfortable on the inside. However, he was careful to advise that he is a “versatile” player who will do whatever the team requires of him.
“At the end of the day it’s wherever the team best needs me to win. And like I said, I’m excited about the opportunity. We’ll see what happens as far as all the details of it,” Osborn said. “I’m a team guy so whatever the team needs me to do to win, whether it be as a number one, play inside, play outside — that’s what I’m here to do.”
Osborn will provide the Patriots with a sure-handed pass-catcher, capable of winning his matchups in nearly any alignment. He joins receivers Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Jalen Reagor on the Patriots depth chart.
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