Justin Jefferson had 88 catches for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings laughed at Eagles for passing on Justin Jefferson . . . and were right

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/20/21

The 2020 NFL Draft was a completely different TV experience from what fans previously were used to seeing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no central gathering for the draft. Instead, TV cameras were placed inside the homes of team employees and players. The result was a more intimate viewing experience for the fans, such as one we saw among the Minnesota Vikings.

As Pro Football Focus reminded people Tuesday on Twitter, some Vikings higher-ups (GM Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer) laughed at the Philadelphia Eagles for passing on Justin Jefferson with the No. 21 overall pick last year. Instead of Jefferson, they chose a different receiver — Jalen Reagor.

Never forget the Vikings laughing at the Eagles for skipping Justin Jefferson

pic.twitter.com/GieVoODdCM

— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 20, 2021

The Vikings were right, at least for one year.

Reagor had 31 catches for 396 yards and a touchdown in 11 games last season. Jefferson had 88 catches for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.

Six receivers were taken in the first round last year. Seven more went in the second round. It remains to be seen how all of their careers go, but for now, the Vikings seemed to nail the rankings. They definitely got it right with Jefferson.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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