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Is K.J. Osborn worth a late dart throw?

By Jared Smola | Updated on Sun, Jul 16 2023 5:36 AM UTC
K.J. Osborn Headshot

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn is an intriguing option for fantasy managers seeking value at the end of drafts. He's coming off a strong finish last year, too. Over the last four weeks of 2022, Osborn saw an uptick in usage as the Vikings’ WR2 ahead of now-departed Adam Thielen. In that stretch, he averaged 8.2 targets per game (19.5% target share), 87.5 receiving yards, 0.5 TDs per game, and 18 PPR points per game. In each of the last two seasons, Osborn has received at least 80 targets and recorded 600+ receiving yards. He’s primarily been the team’s WR3 in that span, but the Vikings ranked eighth in 11-personnel grouping (three-WR sets) in 2022 under first-year HC Kevin O’Connell. Rookie Jordan Addison is the favorite to be the Vikings' WR2 entering this year, but the top three wideouts, including Justin Jefferson, should all spend plenty of time on the field. Addison also missed all of OTAs this offseason due to an undisclosed injury. We're not overly concerned about Addison's health yet, but it speaks to how close Osborn really is to an impact role in an offense that ranked t-10th in PFF team passing grade. You won't find Osborn listed toward the top of our current WR rankings, but he's worthwhile keeping an eye on during training camp.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
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