How the NFL draft decision on Jalen Reagor and Justin Jefferson set the Vikings, Eagles on different courses

Scattered in their homes during the virtual 2020 NFL draft, Minnesota Vikings officials were in agreement.

They loved LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. Their scouting department thought his skills translated far beyond the slot role he mostly played in college, and their coaches envisioned him playing everywhere in their scheme. So they held their breath when the Philadelphia Eagles popped onto the clock at No. 21, one spot ahead of the Vikings' first pick. «We were sweating it out the whole time,» then-coach Mike Zimmer said later.

The Eagles' interest and need in drafting a receiver was well known, and with three receivers already off the board in a talented class, Jefferson figured to be next up. Jefferson thought so too.

«Every single mock draft had me going to Philly,» Jefferson told ESPN. «When Philly got on the board, I was definitely thinking I was going to go there.»

Connected via video conference, Zimmer and then-general manager Rick Spielman bantered nervously about the Eagles' possibilities. Spielman floated the possibility of trading down and selecting a cornerback if there wasn't a player they loved at No. 22. Kelly Kleine, then the Vikings' manager of player personnel/college scout, interrupted with news via the NFL's internal draft wire: The Eagles were selecting TCU's Jalen Reagor.

Spielman broke out in laughter, as seen on a hype video later released by the Vikings Entertainment Network. «Get Justin Jefferson on right now,» Spielman said through a huge grin. He got up from his chair and began walking around his home office. «Wow, wow,» he repeated. «That's what makes this stuff fun.»

The Vikings couldn't believe they landed Justin Jefferson at No. 22 after the Eagles picked Jalen Reagor at No. 21. Now