In an interview with Complex, Justin Jefferson was asked about who the best wide receiver in the NFL was. He humbly gave credit where credit was due and answered with Devante Adams, however, he further elaborated and said that after this season it would be him. The full quote from the interview states, “I’ll say after this year I’ll be the best receiver in the NFL,” Jefferson told Complex, which published the interview Thursday. “I definitely have to give it to Davante Adams as of now, him being so crazy and dynamic on the field. His route running is crazy, so I definitely have to give it to him right now, but I’m pretty sure after this year, it’s going to be me.” It is nothing out of the ordinary to see a young star player say that their time is coming to be the best at what they do, however, Jefferson truly does have a chance at being one of if not the best receiver in the NFL if he can continue the momentum from last season. The Minnesota Vikings still have a very star-studded offense. Although teams have more tape on Jefferson than they did coming into last season, he still has the chance to establish himself as one of the best at his position.
Is the best returning WR duo in this tweet? pic.twitter.com/lsNDcwLhLn
— NFL (@NFL) July 6, 2022
Is Devante Adams the best in the league right now?
Before we get into how Jefferson can take the throne as the best receiver in the league, it is worth taking a look at the first half of the quote in which he states that Devante Adams is the best receiver in the NFL after the 2021 season. Adams has quickly risen to the top of the food chain at the receiver position. He became Aaron Rodgers’s favorite target and has had a hand in Rodgers winning back-to-back MVP awards. However, this season, Adams will be going into the year with Derick Carr, his former college teammate, as his new quarterback.
Objectively speaking, this is a downgrade for Adams, however, he is a receiver that makes his quarterback’s life easier and makes them look better. Last year, Adams finished second in receptions, third in receiving yards, fifth in receiving touchdowns, and fourth in targets. It is mind-blowing to see that Adams could achieve these stats even when he was facing triple coverage at some points of the season.
What will it take for Justin Jefferson to take the top spot?
With the first half of the quote checking out, now it’s time to take a look at how Jefferson could take the throne from Adams. He is already off to a great start and put up some incredible numbers last season. He has a serviceable quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Along with this, the Vikings have a good running game, and a quality second receiver to take some of the defensive attention off of Jefferson in Adam Thielen. Last season, Jefferson finished fourth in receptions, second in receiving yards, and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns. Looking at his ranks, he is not too far off from Adams already. If Adams’ numbers take a hit after joining Carr and the Raiders and Jefferson can continue to improve his stats every season, there is a chance that he could eclipse Adams as the best in the league. While he may still be a couple of years out from actually taking the crown from Adams, Jefferson will likely continue to climb up the totem pole but is still a little more than a year away from being the best.
