Minnesota Vikings: The 4 Vikings With the Most to Prove in 2015

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) rushes against the New York Jets for 6 yards in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cordarrelle Patterson

I feel like we have gone over Cordarrelle Patterson’s issues ad nauseam already but let’s face it; This list would be incomplete without him on it.

Patterson was a stand out in 2013 as a rookie. He was far from a polished receiver but made a litany of big plays. He scored touchdowns in the kick return game, from out of the backfield and as a receiver. Expectations for him in 2014 were super sized, particularly with Bill Musgrave gone and Norv Turner coming to town. Patterson picked up right where he had left off in Week 1, rumbling for this touchdown run against the St. Louis Rams:

The trouble is, that play represents most of his highlight package for the 2014 season. He would only score one more touchdown all season (a reception) after tallying a combined nine scores in his rookie year. Certainly a discouraging trend. To me, Patterson did not look like he had the same amount of burst, particularly in the return game. Nagging injuries may have played a role.

Patterson is far too young and far too talented to simply give up on. The hope is that the unnamed veteran receiver Zimmer enlisted to help him can get through to him so that he can reach his full potential. His progress this season should be very telling as far as his future prospects are concerned.

Next: Matt Kalil