Vikings' Justin Jefferson: Being fifth WR drafted in 2020 was 'disrespectful'

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson watched last April as fellow receivers Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Reagor were all selected before the Minnesota Vikings acquired Jefferson via the 22nd overall pick. 

The 21-year-old then made history by setting the new record for receiving yards recorded by a rookie with 1,400.

Jefferson explained during the recent edition of the "Huddle & Flow" podcast that his draft-night experience motivated him throughout his debut season. 

"I kept a chip on my shoulder, if you want to say that," Jefferson explained, per Jeremy Bergman of the league's official website. "I just felt like I was one of the top receivers, especially off of the performance I did with the national championship, having over 1,500 yards, having 18 touchdowns. So being the fifth receiver picked up, I felt that was disrespectful on their part.

"I just wanted to prove everybody wrong. All of the doubts about me playing outside, me not being a fast receiver, me not being able to go deep. So this past season, I worked on all of those things. I just tried to clean up my game a little bit more and be that versatile receiver."

According to ESPN stats, Jefferson finished fourth overall in receiving yards behind only DeAndre Hopkins, Travis Kelce and Stefon Diggs, and the product of LSU was one of two rookies to make the NFC's Pro Bowl roster. 

Chase Young of the Washington Football Team was also a Pro Bowler for the 2020 campaign.