After not catching a pass in 2020, K.J. Osborn has emerged as the Minnesota Vikings No. 3 wide receiver after week one.

Osborn was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft out of the University of Miami. However, he didn’t receive playing time outside of special teams in 2020. That’s because the Vikings had plenty of offensive weapons in Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr.

Now that Rudolph is no longer on the roster and Irv Smith Jr. is out for the season, the emergence of a third wide receiver is pivotal for the Vikings’ success. Minnesota has a few options at the third slot in Dede Westbrook and newly drafted Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Despite some new faces, Osborn has stepped up to the challenge and cemented himself as the No. 3 wide receiver.

In week one, he went off for 76 yards on seven receptions.

One of the biggest catches of the day came on third down when Minnesota was 24 yards shy of a first down.

There’s an argument to be made that his fourth down catch with 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter was a bigger play. While that might be true, it was more impressive watching him stay in bounds and his run after the catch.

At 5-foot-11, Osborn is smaller for his position but makes up for that with his speed. The former Hurricane is one of the fastest players on the roster and clocked a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. Because of that speed, he’s allowed himself to become a valuable asset in other ways.

Not only has he cemented himself as the No. 3 receiver, but last season he made an impact as the team’s punt and kick returner. If a player doesn’t have a role within an offense or defense, they better be able to play special teams.

Mike Zimmer made it clear that Cam Dantzler can earn playing time through special teams.

First thing, he’s got to play special teams. I mean, if you’re a backup player, you play special teams.

This shows Osborn’s importance moving forward.

The former Miami Hurricane’s future in the NFL is bright, and if it doesn’t work at wide receiver, he’ll have an impact on special teams. While it might be early to say, It’s safe to believe that he will be the No. 3 receiver moving forward.