Cordarrelle Patterson Impressing Veteran Greg Jennings

Jun 11, 2013; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) hits a dummy prior to drills at the Minnesota Vikings minicamp at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The way Cordarrelle Patterson’s off-season is going, he may be crowned rookie of the year before the season even begins.

Patterson has received plenty of praise since being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

Veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings is the latest to praise the Vikings’ first round selection.

According to Pro Football Talk, Jennings had some high praise for the former Vol, including Patterson’s “definitive step”.

"That’s a gift. You can’t really teach that.  He has it [definitive step].  And I remember, that was me……….If you see the back of his jersey, you might as well stop running, because it’s over."

Jennings, who’s in his first year with the Vikings, after spending his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, definitely has the credentials to hand out such high praise to Patterson, he’s a two-time pro-bowl receiver.

The Vikings are hoping Jennings is correct in his assessment of Patterson. Minnesota will be looking to replace the production of Percy Harvin, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks before the NFL Draft in April.

Although Greg Jennings is currently playing in Harvin’s old position, Patterson’s skills better resemble those of Harvin.

So while Patterson may not line up the same way Harvin did, he’s the Vikings’ best hope to replace Harvin’s explosive play-making ability, something he showed plenty of during his one season at the University of Tennessee.

It’s a long time until 2013 season awards will be handed out, but you’ve got to believe Patterson is the definite favorite for rookie of the year.

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