WR K.J. Osborn could be biggest X-factor for Vikings in 2022

The All-Pro duo of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen is well-known throughout the National Football League, as quarterback Kirk Cousins loves to target those two early and often. Rest assured that he will continue to target both at that same pace in 2022, but where will Cousins go when those two are locked up by their defenders in important moments? He might have a very underrated option in third-year receiver K.J. Osborn, who has a great chance to have another career year under new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. 

After only playing in nine games as a rookie in 2020 without registering a reception, the former Buffalo Bull and Miami Hurricane put up very solid numbers for a No. 3 receiver in 2021. He recorded 50 receptions on 82 targets for 655 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions, and he played in all 17 games, starting in nine of them. 

His big moment came in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers when he caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Michigan native also returned 14 kicks and 11 punts. His 4.4 speed is a dangerous piece of his skill set, evidenced by his mark of 13.1 yards-per-reception. His shorter 5-11 frame allows him to be extremely successful in smaller windows.

He was very productive with a Vikings team in 2021 that finished 8-9 with a defensive coach in Mike Zimmer. Now, the Vikings have an extremely creative, Super Bowl-winning offensive mind in O'Connell as their leader.  

The WR could very well be an important X-factor for a Vikings team that is looking to return to the postseason for the first time in what would be three years. If Osborn can take another step in 2022, Minnesota might have one of the better receiver trios in the entire National Football League.