Justin Jefferson Proves He Is the Best First-Round Pick the Vikings Ever Had

The Minnesota Vikings have had their fair share of hits and misses in the NFL Draft, but when they get it right, they change the course of the franchise. Over the years, the Vikings have selected some of the most elite players in football history, shaping the identity of the team with their incredible performances. Among them stands Justin Jefferson—an absolute game-changer who has already cemented himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. But where does he rank among the greatest first-round picks in Vikings history? Let’s break it down.

Adrian Peterson (2007, 7th Overall)

Adrian Peterson is one of the most dominant running backs the league has ever seen. Drafted seventh overall in 2007, Peterson wasted no time proving he was an unstoppable force. His rare blend of speed, power, and vision made him a nightmare for defenders, and he quickly became the face of the franchise.

Rookie Impact: 1,341 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

MVP Season: In 2012, Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards—just eight yards shy of the all-time single-season record.

Vikings Legacy: Finished his tenure with over 11,000 rushing yards and 97 touchdowns in a Vikings uniform.

Peterson was the heartbeat of the Vikings’ offense for a decade, redefining what a dominant running back should be. His ability to carry an offense on his back was something few players in NFL history have ever accomplished. His 2007 Rookie of the Year campaign set the tone for what would be a legendary career, and in 2012, he defied all odds by returning from an ACL tear to post one of the greatest seasons ever seen. Few players, if any, could match his intensity and ability to break tackles with sheer power and finesse. His impact wasn’t just on the stat sheet—he was the driving force behind the Vikings’ playoff pushes and one of the most feared players in the league during his prime.

Even today, Peterson remains a standard for young running backs looking to make an impact in the league. His legacy in Minnesota is secure, and his place as a top-five draft pick in Vikings history is unquestioned.

Randall McDaniel (1988, 19th Overall)

While offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight, Randall McDaniel was impossible to overlook. Selected 19th overall in 1988, McDaniel became one of the most decorated offensive linemen in NFL history.

Unmatched Durability: 202 consecutive starts.

Pro Bowl King: 12-time Pro Bowler (11 with the Vikings).

Hall of Fame Recognition: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

McDaniel anchored the Vikings’ offensive line for more than a decade, allowing the team to build powerful offenses that thrived in both the run and pass game. His dominance set the standard for offensive linemen in the modern NFL.

McDaniel was not only an anchor on the offensive line but also a true leader. His work ethic and toughness helped set the standard for Vikings football, and his ability to protect quarterbacks and open running lanes for stars like Robert Smith and Adrian Peterson made him an invaluable piece of Minnesota’s success. The Vikings thrived behind his presence, and his legacy remains intact as one of the best linemen in football history.

Alan Page (1967, 15th Overall)

Alan Page was an absolute force on the defensive line, revolutionizing the defensive tackle position. The Vikings selected him with the 15th overall pick in 1967, and he immediately made his presence felt.

Fearsome Pass Rusher: 148.5 career sacks (though sacks were unofficially recorded for much of his career).

MVP Honors: Became the first defensive player in NFL history to win the MVP award in 1971.

Hall of Fame Inductee: Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.

Page was the leader of the legendary “Purple People Eaters” defense, helping define an era of dominance for Minnesota in the late 1960s and 1970s. His impact on the game remains historic. Not only was Page a dominant defensive player, but his leadership qualities made the Vikings a perennial championship contender. His intelligence, physical dominance, and ability to pressure quarterbacks made him one of the most respected defensive players of all time.

Fran Tarkenton (1961, 3rd Overall)

Before the NFL became a quarterback-driven league, Fran Tarkenton was already playing like a modern-day superstar. Drafted third overall in 1961, Tarkenton revolutionized the quarterback position with his mobility, intelligence, and clutch performances.

Dual-Threat Quarterback: Nearly 50,000 total yards and 374 touchdowns in his career.

Super Bowl Appearances: led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances.

MVP Winner: Took home the league MVP award in 1975.

Tarkenton redefined quarterback play with his ability to extend plays, scramble, and make big-time throws. He remains one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and a Vikings legend. His ability to turn broken plays into massive gains made him an absolute nightmare for defenses. Even today, quarterbacks who extend plays—like Patrick Mahomes—owe part of their game to Tarkenton’s pioneering playstyle.

Justin Jefferson (2020, 22nd Overall)

The Minnesota Vikings have had some all-time greats, but it’s time to recognize the most electrifying player they’ve ever drafted—Justin Jefferson. Selected 22nd overall in 2020, Jefferson has already proven that he belongs at the very top of this list.

Rookie Record-Breaker: 1,400 receiving yards in his rookie season, surpassing all expectations.

Elite Playmaker: Fastest player in NFL history to reach 5,000 receiving yards.

All-Pro Dominance: Already a multi-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection.

Stat Monster: Averaging over 100 yards per game, putting him on track for historic numbers.

Jefferson isn’t just great—he’s redefining the wide receiver position. His route-running, hands, and explosiveness make him unguardable, and his ability to make clutch plays sets him apart from the competition. With Jefferson on the field, the Vikings always have a chance to win, and he’s only getting started. There’s no limit to what he can achieve, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he goes down as not only the greatest first-round pick in franchise history—he might be the greatest player in Vikings history, period.

The Minnesota Vikings have had some incredible first-round draft picks over the years, but Justin Jefferson stands out as the best. From his record-breaking performances to his undeniable impact on the game, Jefferson is on a trajectory that few players in NFL history have matched. If his current trajectory continues, he may not only be the greatest first-round pick in Vikings history—he might be the greatest player in Vikings history, period.