Justin Jefferson- 2021 #1 Dynasty Wide Receiver
#18 Justin Jefferson, MIN
bio:
Justin Jefferson is IDPE’s #1 dynasty WR in 2021. He was drafted by Minnesota in the 1st round (#22 overall) out of LSU in the 2020 draft. Named a 2nd team All-Pro in his rookie year.
attributes:
A versatile 2nd-year receiver, he is a strong route runner with consistent hands and has no noticeable weaknesses. He has average size and good athleticism. Jefferson has a high College Prospect Score (CPS).
| Age* | Height | Weight | 40 | Vertical | Broad | CPS |
| 22.3 | 6’1″ | 202 | 4.43 | 37.5″ | 10’6″ | 6.3 |
player grades:
Jefferson graded out as the #2 wide receiver (tied with A.J. Brown) out of 127 qualified players in 2020, per PFF.com. It is very rare for a rookie to receive such a high grade.
| Year | Overall | Receiving | Rushing |
| 2020 | 90.4 | 90.5 | 56.6 |
injury:
He has not missed a game to injury so far in his young career.
receiving:
Jefferson had 125 targets (#18), 88 receptions (#15), 1400 yards (#4), and 7 touchdowns (#22) in 2020. Therefore, he has an elite floor with a high ceiling in fantasy based on his rookie season.
| Year | Rec | Yards | TD | TReFP* | Games | ReFP/G** | A4GM*** |
| 2020 | 88 | 1400 | 7 | 226 | 16 | 14.1 | 226 |
**ReFP/G is Receiving Fantasy Points per Game
***A4GM is Adjusted for Games Missed
Note: Fantasy Points based on 1/2 point PPR
strength of schedule:
Minnesota has the 7th most difficult schedule for WR in 2021, per PFF. The bye week is Week 7, and the most difficult matchups are Weeks 11 and 16. Miami and New Orleans WRs currently look like solid options if you want to stream based on WR matchup those weeks.
contract:
Jefferson is still on his rookie contract. Minnesota has a 5th-year option available so that he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
summary:
Justin Jefferson had arguably the best rookie wide receiver season of all time in 2020 and didn’t even start the first two games. He made plays all over the field and had an awe-inspiring catch rate (70.4%), considering how often he runs deep routes. Opposing defenses had no answer for him, and he’s just getting started. Expect him to compete for a Top 5 WR finish in 2021 and dynasty for years to come.
