Two impressive Minnesota Vikings rookies received an honor Tuesday from the Pro Football Writers of America, as WR Justin Jefferson and CB Cameron Dantzler were each named to their All-Rookie Team.

Justin Jefferson had a record breaking campaign. According to Vikings.com:

Drafted 22nd overall by the Vikings out of LSU, Jefferson more than impressed during his debut season. He made plays all over the field, racking up 88 catches for 1,400 yards (15.9 average) and seven touchdowns en route to breaking several records. Not only did he surpass Randy Moss' franchise mark for yards by a rookie (1,313), but Jefferson also broke Anquan Boldin's NFL rookie record (set in 2003 with 1,377).
Jefferson is the first Vikings receiver to be named to the PWFA All-Rookie Team since Stefon Diggs in 2015.

Speaking of Stefon Diggs, it's interesting that Justin Jefferson is the first Vikings rookie receiver to receive the honor since the 'Minnesota Miracle' wideout because Jefferson was actually drafted to replace Diggs, who was traded to Buffalo in the offseason.  Based on the season Diggs and the Buffalo Bills are having, I guess it's a true win-win situation.

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As for Cameron Dantzler, he overcame several injuries in the first half of the season to finish strong and become a reliable presence in a young Vikings secondary. He finished his rookie campaign with 46 tackles (press box stats), three tackles for loss, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Also, his two interceptions led all Minnesota cornerbacks in 2020.

The season may not have gone the way that Vikings players and fans envisioned, but a young team did get experience and it appears there are nice building blocks on each side of the ball in Jefferson and Dantzler.

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