Minnesota Vikings: 4 things the Vikings should be thankful for

Adam Thielen

There’s no question the Vikings have to be thankful for the chance they took on a Minnesota State Mankato Product in 2013. Ultimately, it’s turned out to be the best move general manager Rick Spielman has ever made by bringing wide receiver Adam Thielen in as an undrafted free agent.

Through 10 games this season, Thielen has established himself as the top offensive weapon with 62 catches for 916 yards on the year. The yardage total is good enough for second in the league behind Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown. In other words, he’s not only the top offensive weapon on the Vikings, but one of the top offensive weapons in the entire game.

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To have a player of his caliber at the receiver position is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. As matter of fact, the Vikings haven’t had a 1,000-plus yard receiver since 2009, so the fact that Thielen is destined to break that mark is an impressive feat. A sign that the Vikings finally have that star receiver they’ve been missing for much of the last decade.

Better yet, Stefon Diggs is no slouch either. If he can just stay healthy, he has a great chance of breaking the 1,000-yard mark at some point. Actually, he probably would have broken the mark last year if it weren’t for injuries. With Diggs in mind, there’s definitely more to be thankful for as the Vikings may have the best receiving duo in the NFL.

Getting back to Thielen though, Minnesota just wouldn’t stand where they are today without him. Factoring in the losses of Sam Bradford, Dalvin Cook and even Stefon Diggs for a short time, it’s hard to see the team win as many games without him in the lineup. He’s simply been that important to Keenum’s success, the offense’s success, and the team’s success overall.