Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings duo lands on exclusive NFL list

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/29/22

Thirty-six members of the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster are aged 25 or younger, but according to a trio of ESPN writers, two in particular have not only stood out among Vikings players but throughout the entire NFL.

In a recent piece that listed the league’s top 25 players under 25, NFL and NFL draft analysts Matt Bowen, Matt Miller and Jordan Reid singled out third-year receiver Justin Jefferson and second-year offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw of being worthy of making the exclusive list.

Jefferson, who was ranked No. 2 behind Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, has the second-most receiving yards (1,232) and third-most receptions (81) this season. He also recently broke the NFL record for most receiving yards through a player’s first three seasons with six games left.

Justin Jefferson leads the NFL in Receiving Yards against Man/Man Coverage... Also leads NFL in Receiving Yards on 3rd Down

Vikings O vs NYJ D is a fascinating matchup this week
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 29, 2022

“A true difference-maker in the Vikings' offense, Jefferson has the ability to take over games,” Bowen said. “We can look at the savvy route-running traits, the vertical juice or the ability to make contested catches. He wins at every level of the field. And with three straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving, Jefferson is already one of the league's best at the position. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he has made 23.5 receptions over expectation during his career, and his 4,248 receiving yards tops the NFL since 2020 by more than 300.”

Darrisaw, who was ranked No. 23, was one of five offensive tackles to make the list. He’s Minnesota’s highest-rated run and pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus, and he’s allowed just seven pressures, seven hurries, three hits, and two sacks this year.

“Darrisaw has the traits to develop into one of the league's top players at the left tackle position,” Bowen said. “He's an easy mover who can smoothly climb to the second level in the run game, with the body control and lateral foot quickness to match pass-rushers. Darrisaw has registered a pass block win rate of 86% this season, up from 77.6% in his rookie year, and he has allowed just one sack in 2022."