The Vikings changed the complexion of their receiving corps this offseason when they traded for Mike Wallace and released Greg Jennings and it would change even more if Cordarrelle Patterson made the switch from intriguing talent to consistent performer.
Patterson showed off that talent in the season opener last year when he ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, but he only scored once more all season and his production as both a receiver and kick returner dropped from his rookie year. Patterson said at the end of the year that he’d do anything he could to improve this offseason, a process General Manager Rick Spielman thinks begins with realizing that thriving as a pro is about “more than just relying on your athletic skill set.”
Spielman said he thought Patterson was progressing on that front this offseason.
“There’s no question about the physical ability there. I think Cordarrelle has really grown up a lot,” Spielman said, via the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I know what he has done this offseason dedicating himself to being the best receiver he can be, and how serious he is taking that, we’re very excited about the future with Cordarrelle.”
There’s no question that the Vikings will be a more dangerous team with a more productive Patterson in the offense, but any talk of offseason growth has to be balanced by actual examples of it on the field. We’re a long way from seeing Patterson and the Vikings in action at this point in the offseason and he’ll remain a question mark until that changes.