KJO
After emerging as a reliable target for quarterback Kirk Cousins last season, Osborn is hoping to become an even bigger threat this season.A home run hitter so to speak.
“I want to be someone that can create those big plays,” Osborn said. “Not so much catching the ball and getting down. I want to make a guy miss and then make another guy miss and break that big play for us. Just be a game-changer.”
Though the 24-year-old has the ability to beat people deep, Osborn acknowledged that his big plays are likely going to come via yards after catch. He’s focused on getting stronger this offseason so he’s not as easy to bring down in the open field.
It should help that Osborn is feeling much more confident heading into this season. In the past, Osborn said he was so focused on not making a mistake that he would play it safe throughout a game. Instead of looking to hit a home run, for example, he would settle for single more often than not.
“Just being confident is a big thing,” Osborn said. “Now I’m able to play fast and not be worried about messing up. That’s going to allow me to get that (yards after catch) and create those big plays. I’m trying to take it to the next level. That’s what I’m striving to do right now.”
After playing sparingly as a rookie, Osborn proved to be a pleasant surprise in his second season last fall with 50 receptions for 655 yards and 7 touchdowns. He provided a tertiary option for the Vikings with star receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen garnering most of the attention.
Maybe down the road Osborn can garner similar attention.
“I want to get to the level that Justin and Adam are at right now,” he said. “They push me every single day to get better. And obviously (receivers coach Keenan McCardell) played in the league for a really long time. We have a lot of great guys in our room. They help me elevate my game.”
Something else that could help Osborn elevate his game is the new offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell. With an offensive-minded guy running the show nowadays, there should be more opportunities for the Vikings to push the ball down the field.
“It is definitely complex,” Osborn said of the new offense. “That’s what kind of makes it fun. We’re out here every day learning. We’re in the meeting rooms grinding. I’m a guy that likes to learn all the positions because I play all over the field.”
Not that Osborn feels entitled to a role. While he performed at a high level last season, and that likely gives him the upper hand heading into this season, Osborn knows the Vikings have a lot of talented receivers on the roster.
“I wouldn’t say I’m established or anything like that,” he said. “Obviously with a new offense I’m trying to learn that stuff and get it down and be the player that I want to be. My expectations for myself are probably higher than anybody else’s expectations for me. I’m my biggest critic. I’m expecting a lot out of myself.”
https://www.twincities.com/2022/06/03/vikings-receiver-k-j-osborn-wants-to-become-a-home-run-hitter-this-season/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
@"Wetlander" said: I think we need a little perspective here... last off-season the narrative was Osborn was in danger of being cut after an unproductive rookie year. Now after having a strong 2nd year, he's not that good because he's not a "#2 WR"...Crazy how fan expectations change so quickly lol
Who says he's not that good? I just dont know that his production with AT and JJ is an indicator of him actually being a legit #2 guy. He would rarely draw a teams top 1 or 2 corners and likely faced a DB on somewhat of an island as the safeties and LBs are a little preoccupied most snaps with AT,JJ, and Cook.
I think my perspective is fine, he did what he had to do last year to be having a conversation about his future, but I think there are two many unknowns to be penciled in as ATs replacement until he gets a chance to show he's more than just a #3. At ATs age, odds a pretty good he will have a few games this year to do just that. If he shines, great, if he disappears, then we put WR towards the top of our 23 draft board or FA wish list depending on how Cousins plays this year.
@"JimmyinSD" said:@"Wetlander" said: I think we need a little perspective here... last off-season the narrative was Osborn was in danger of being cut after an unproductive rookie year. Now after having a strong 2nd year, he's not that good because he's not a "#2 WR"...Crazy how fan expectations change so quickly lol
Who says he's not that good? I just dont know that his production with AT and JJ is an indicator of him actually being a legit #2 guy. He would rarely draw a teams top 1 or 2 corners and likely faced a DB on somewhat of an island as the safeties and LBs are a little preoccupied most snaps with AT,JJ, and Cook.I think my perspective is fine, he did what he had to do last year to be having a conversation about his future, but I think there are two many unknowns to be penciled in as ATs replacement until he gets a chance to show he's more than just a #3. At ATs age, odds a pretty good he will have a few games this year to do just that. If he shines, great, if he disappears, then we put WR towards the top of our 23 draft board or FA wish list depending on how Cousins plays this year.
Definitely won't be a free agent with JJ's contract looming, but I think unless KJO, ISM, Bisi or Nailor explodes this year, WR will be one of the first two picks in the '23 draft.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"JimmyinSD" said:@"Wetlander" said: I think we need a little perspective here... last off-season the narrative was Osborn was in danger of being cut after an unproductive rookie year. Now after having a strong 2nd year, he's not that good because he's not a "#2 WR"...Crazy how fan expectations change so quickly lol
Who says he's not that good? I just dont know that his production with AT and JJ is an indicator of him actually being a legit #2 guy. He would rarely draw a teams top 1 or 2 corners and likely faced a DB on somewhat of an island as the safeties and LBs are a little preoccupied most snaps with AT,JJ, and Cook.I think my perspective is fine, he did what he had to do last year to be having a conversation about his future, but I think there are two many unknowns to be penciled in as ATs replacement until he gets a chance to show he's more than just a #3. At ATs age, odds a pretty good he will have a few games this year to do just that. If he shines, great, if he disappears, then we put WR towards the top of our 23 draft board or FA wish list depending on how Cousins plays this year.
Definitely won't be a free agent with JJ's contract looming, but I think unless KJO, ISM, Bisi or Nailor explodes this year, WR will be one of the first two picks in the '23 draft.
I included FA assuming that Cousins balls out and the team decides to make one all in push with Cousins, AT, JJ (last year of comparatively "cheap" play ), if KC falters then I assume we need to look at QB at the top of the 23 board, and that may require all of our picks in day 1 and 2 next spring, plus future considerations.... and I still think we would be needing to look at WR as a top concern if at all possible, of course we will still be needing to look DB with Harry likely moving on as well as PP.
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