Justin Jefferson is among the top reasons for the significant optimism surrounding J.J. McCarthy’s chances of succeeding in his first year as a starter. According to Bleacher Report, Jefferson is one of the top players to build around in the entire NFL, and the Vikings have the luxury of doing just that in 2025.
When categorizing players to build around, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report used players who were under 28 and had played for the teams that drafted them. Jefferson, 26, fits into that category. He also won’t be playing for anyone else soon, having signed a 4-year, $140 million deal last year.
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Knox ranks Jefferson No. 11 on the list, one spot ahead of Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase.
While Chase had better numbers in 2024, Jefferson (103 catches, 1,533 yards, 10 TDs) certainly didn’t disappoint. The Minnesota Vikings receiver has been doing it for a year longer than Chase, and he has remained consistently productive despite not having a quarterback of Burrow’s pedigree.
While Jefferson saw a few good seasons from Kirk Cousins, he’s also worked with the likes of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens and Joshua Dobbs. Despite that, he’s compiled 495 receptions, 7,432 yards and 40 touchdowns in five years.
Heading into the 2025 season, the 26-year-old Jefferson remains the top receiver to build around in the NFL.
Vikings fans will agree with Knox’s statement regarding the quarterbacks who have thrown to Jefferson. However, his fortunes could change in the long term if McCarthy proves to be a franchise-caliber quarterback. Fortunately, Jefferson can play a part in assuring McCarthy reaches that status.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Which Vikings player is worth building around for any NFL team?