Justin Jefferson wants Jalen Ramsey one-on-one

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has his week 16 matchup with cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams circled on his calendar. The star receiver stated on the All Things Covered podcast that Ramsey is the player he’s most excited to face one-on-one in the NFL. Jefferson did not play against the Rams in his rookie season.

Justin Jefferson versus Jalen Ramsey

When asked on the All Things Covered podcast who he wanted to battle against the most, Jefferson replied with no hesitation that Ramsey was the guy.

“Jalen Ramsey. I’m waiting… that game is circled.”

The Vikings won’t meet the Rams until week 16 of the NFL season, in a game scheduled for Dec. 26. With how excited Jefferson is to face one of the best in the league in Ramsey, the NFL scheduling them so late in the season might be the perfect Christmas gift.

Justin Jefferson’s rookie year

Jefferson quickly developed a reputation as being impossible to cover in his rookie season. In his first year with the NFL, Jefferson set a new rookie record for receiving yards in a season. With 1,400 yards on 88 catches, Jefferson’s performance wasn’t just incredible by rookie standards, it was the fourth highest in the NFL.

His early success is eye-catching to players around the league as well, with Jefferson being ranked 53rd on the NFL 100 list going into the 2021 season. One point of emphasis will be improving his touchdown production going forward, with only seven touchdown receptions so far.

While the NFL game is another level beyond NCAA football, Jefferson’s talents were well known as he entered the league. Drafted in the first round with the 22nd-overall pick, the Vikings knew what kind of player they were getting from LSU.

Jefferson’s junior year with the Tigers would be his last as he amassed 1,540 yards on 111 catches. His 111 receptions led the entire NCAA in 2019, and his 18 touchdowns ranked him second in the nation.

Jalen Ramsey’s lockdown skill

While Jefferson’s 2020 season was flourishing, Ramsey’s was ruining the party for top receivers around the NFL. Selected to the All-Pro team, Ramsey allowed a career-low 50 percent completion rate to receivers against him.

Even more impressive are the stat lines that star receivers managed against Ramsey specifically. With Ramsey in coverage on him in three games, DK Metcalf only managed to grab four catches for 44 yards. DeAndre Hopkins only managed five catches for 48 yards in two meetings, and Terry McLaurin didn’t manage a catch at all against Ramsey in week five.

Even the league leader in receiving yards struggled as Stefon Diggs only received one pass against Ramsey, a four-yard touchdown completion.

Jefferson is ready for the challenge, but he’ll have to figure out something that top receivers around the league have not.