Former Vol Wide Receivers In Need Of A Big Year
By Seth Norris
Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) returns a kickoff against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers win 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Cordarrelle Patterson (1st round, 2013)
Patterson is another bright spot in the “Fooley Era”. The JUCO transfer played one season in 2012 with the Volunteers, and was one of the few exciting things about that horrid 5-7 season.
He racked up over one-thousand all-purpose yards, and eight total touchdowns on offense. Patterson also added a kick and punt return touchdown.
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The knock on Patterson while he was at Tennessee was his ability, or lack thereof, to run routes. However, with his speed and athletic ability this was thought to be something that would not be an long term issue.
In his first year with the Vikings, we all remember him running the opening Sunday Night kickoff back for 109 yards and tying the NFL record. He showed flashes through his first year of possibly being on his way to being one of the most exciting players in the league.
He finished with seven total touchdowns on offense (4 receiving, 3 rushing), and over 600 yards of total offense.
Many thought he was on the upswing, fantasy football guru’s were saying to pick Cordarrelle Patterson. Everyone thought he was on his way to having a break out year. But that was not the case last season, as his receptions dropped from 45 to 33, and Patterson was not heavily involved in the offense as new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater took over. Patterson lacked consistency, and could not find a rhythm in Minnesota. Because of that, he is now set to fight for his position as a starter with former University of Maryland star, Stefon Diggs.
Head coach Mike Zimmer has praised Patterson this offseason, and there is a more positive feeling with Patterson’s situation compared to Hunter’s.
Who knows how the season will turn out for these four wide receivers, but one thing is for sure: They better be working.