Minnesota Vikings have plan for Cordarrelle Patterson on, off field

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (Tennessee) as the twenty ninth overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Leslie Frazier were both quite open about having “a specific plan” on the field for newly acquired wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

The Tennessee product is one of the more naturally talented pass catchers to come along in the last few years. In addition to contributing to the offense right away, Patterson will likely be involved in special teams as a kick and punt returner.

While Patterson doesn’t have any known glaring character concerns, Minnesota has a plan for him off the field as well. Former Vikings receiver and current ESPN analyst Cris Carter reports the Vikings staff has a plan for Patterson both on and off the field.

This is likely a byproduct of how things went down with receiver Percy Harvin, who was a headache to deal with in a media standpoint. The Vikings are simply thinking outside the box and are doing everything they can to put Patterson in a situation to do well.

Expect Carter to be a major influence on Patterson this offseason. The Hall of Famer is still closely tied to the organization and had worked with many Vikings receivers in the past.