NFL Draft 2020: Best pick made by each NFC North team

Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Round 1, 22nd Overall

Of the four teams in the NFC North, nobody had a better showing in the 2020 NFL Draft than the Minnesota Vikings. Armed with two first-round selections, the Vikings had the capital to make significant improvements to their roster and they did a great job of making the most out of both of their picks. They also ended up making 15 overall picks throughout the three days of the draft, which is more than any team has ever made in a seven-round NFL Draft.

Snagging Justin Jefferson at No. 22 overall gives the Vikings a legitimate potential replacement for Stefon Diggs. While it would be silly to expect Jefferson to immediately replace Diggs, he is undoubtedly a gifted receiver who is going to be an immediate difference-maker for this team.

The Vikings were able to trade down six spots with their other first-round selection and still add talented cornerback Jeff Gladney to the mix. Gladney will be an important addition for this team, as they lost many important players at the cornerback position this offseason.

Cornerback Cameron Dantzler in the third, linebacker Troy Dye in the fourth, cornerback Harrison Hand in the fifth and edge defender Kenny Willekes in the seventh were other selections of note for the Vikings. However, their very first pick of bringing in Jefferson stands out as their best addition.

Jefferson is a quick and smooth receiver who shows tremendous natural route-running ability in the middle of the field. He easily separates from opposing defensive backs, shows soft hands at all times and is an impact playmaker with the ball in his hands. Jefferson is not the biggest or most explosive receiver, but he is a consistent playmaker who should be able to come in and make an immediate impact for the Minnesota Vikings.