Cordarrelle Patterson is undoubtedly a raw talent. He played only one season of major college football at Tennessee, but his natural athleticism and ability to shine with the ball in his hands gives the Vikings plenty of optimism about his future.
Head coach Leslie Frazier tells the Star Tribune that very few wide receivers make a big impact in their rookie season, but “we’ve got to figure out ways to get the ball in his hands.”
Greg Jennings, one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the last seven seasons, will provide leadership for Patterson.
“I’m not a fan of treating a rookie like a rookie, ” Jennings tells the Pioneer Press. “It’s all about the guy who knows the least, getting him up to speed just as quick as the guy who knows the most in the room. So that’s the mind-set I’m taking. Hopefully, that’s his approach.”
Meanwhile, Viking great Cris Carter’s son, Duron Carter, was “kind of nervous” during his first practice with his father’s former team.
“This is the dream, to play in the NFL,” Carter said as he met with members of the media. “So as hard as I can, this is my dream, this is my one chance to get it, so I’m going to go get it.”
Vikings.com has a slow motion highlight reel of Patterson and fellow first-round picks Sharrif Floyd and Xavier Rhodes from day one at practice.
