Julio Jones, 4 other toughest wide receivers 49ers face in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers face Justin Jefferson, Vikings in Week 12
There are similarities with Julio Jones and Derrick Henry to the No. 4-ranked wide receiver San Francisco gets to face this season, the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson.
Case in point, Jefferson certainly benefits from another MVP-caliber weapon, running back Dalvin Cook, who’ll make the 49ers’ defense have to deal with more multiple threats and angles at all levels when these two teams square off in Week 12.
Jefferson, the 2020 rookie Pro Bowler who could have been the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year recipient if it weren’t for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, amassed a whopping 1,400 yards receiving on 88 receptions with seven touchdowns.
For those thinking Niners wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was special last season, Jefferson was on an entirely different level.
Heading into year two, Jefferson remains Minnesota’s top offensive threat through the air and will serve as quarterback Kirk Cousins’ go-to target.
If there’s a small bonus, San Francisco plays this game at home, yet it could be something of a trap before a crucial Week 13 road trip against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
In that regard, Jefferson could be another 2019 Jones-like threat to the 49ers.