Did Justin Jefferson’s down 2025 hurt him in ESPN WR rankings?

The Minnesota Vikings held back Justin Jefferson with subpar quarterback play in 2025. Now Jefferson has a vested interest in the upcoming training camp battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Fortunately, Jefferson is still widely respected around the NFL despite a lackluster 2025 campaign.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler published a list of the league’s top wide receivers on Wednesday. To compile the list, ESPN sourced votes and feedback from NFL scouts, coaches, and executives.

Jefferson maintained his position in ESPN’s rankings, coming in second place behind Ja’Marr Chase. The Vikings wide receiver also finished in second place last offseason.

Fowler explained that multiple voters chalk Jefferson’s struggles up to inconsistent quarterback play.

“Jefferson’s career-low 1,048 yards in 2025 hurt his vote share slightly, but most voters gave him a pass due to poor quarterback play,” Fowler wrote. “And several voters noted how professionally Jefferson handled the offense stalling. His 53.4% double-team percentage ranked first among receivers, and he eclipsed 1,500 yards the previous season with Sam Darnold.”

According to Fowler, Jefferson registered No. 1 and No. 2 votes on 70% of the ballots. Several voters clearly still think that Jefferson deserves a spot among most other wide receivers.

Jefferson logged 84 receptions for 1,048 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the regular season. It was the fewest touchdowns Jefferson has ever recorded in a single season. He also posted career lows in all statistical categories when comparing to other seasons where he played 17 games.

But when separating Jefferson from his surroundings, NFL sources seem to agree that he is still elite.

“I go by who I’d want on my team in a game or a season, and I still think he’s super talented,” an AFC executive said, per Fowler. “He’s a proven commodity that can do everything you need and can adapt to any defensive look.”

Jefferson has to be hungry to prove his doubters wrong during the 2026 NFL season.

It will be fascinating to see which quarterback ends up throwing Jefferson the ball later this fall.

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