Seems like we all have different views an this. That is a good thing, hopefully were all right or atleast half of us. Im still stickin to Everson being mine, I just can see him fillin up the holes on defense wether hes being rotated or eventually being a starter. Almost time fellas!!

Or just one. There's no guarantee that anyone is going to have a breakout year. This team is now so young that some of these guys, not even including the rookies, could be two or three years out from having their first solid season. Ponder could easily struggle for another year or two and then start lighting it up. Kyle Rudolph could have another 25 catch year. Other guys could sit on the bench for a couple years before even having the chance to start.

Does Ballard still weigh near his listed 283 lbs? It's hard to imagine him playing many snaps along side Kevin Williams when what Williams really needs is a two-gap nose tackle taking up blockers.

your right on track kyle rudolph is a star in the making.chris cook and gearheart right behind him.

Rudolph will make the pro bowl this year.

I'll go with something weird and say Gerhart. He's gonna see a majority of the carries early in the season and he'll step up. I'd love to see AD and him each get 1000 rushing yards for the season

Offense:

If Rudolph has a big year that means Ponder has gotten better. So I'm going to go with Ponder as the breakout player on Offense.

Defense:

I'll go off the beaten path with this one and say it'll be one of the Viking's safeties that will have a big year, Mistral Raymond or Smith. Opposing teams are going to test the back end of that Vikings secondary so they'll have a lot of opportunities. Here's hoping they make the best of it.

I could see Toby Gerhart emerging as kind of a Peyton Hillis sort of meat-and-potatoes running back.

True, but Rudolph is likely to get many passes thrown his way in check-down and red zone situations. Ponder could have a shaky year overall but Rudolph could still put up good numbers. I've really tempered my expectations on Ponder this offseason, if he turns into a franchise QB we're not gonna see it for another season or two. I think they're gonna lean heavily on the run this year and split carries between AD and Toby (with Percy thrown in as well), and I have a feeling that we're going to see much improved run blocking.

It would be great to see Toby prove that he can be a starter, but that would probably also get him a ticket out of town.

I understand what your saying but then it goes back to what determines if Rudolph is a Breakout player, 60 catches somewhere between 600-700 yards and a couple touchdowns? to me thats not a Breakout player. you've also got to consider harvin is still going to be the go to receiver Simpson will be the deep threat and Rudolph will be splitting time with Carlson. I think ponder is capable of 3000 + yards passing and if he can manage a 2-1 td-int ratio that'll be a breakout year for him. may not be franchise qb numbers but for him thats pretty good

Good question. Hmmm I am going to pick for offense, our new O-Linemen, Matt Kalil. I think that he is going to be a beast and anchor a great line. On the defensive side, I am picking Robert Blanton. I think that he is going to be a decent strong safety.

I like Kyle Rudolph as the breakout star this year.

It is clear from last year that this guy has quite a bit of potential. He had a variety of great catches. He seems to be fast and with good hands. He also seems like he can handle blocking for the run game or whenever needed.

Others in the mix of breakout seasons in my opinion include Josh Robinson, Harrison Smith, Greg Childs, Matt Kalil, and Everson Griffen.

Anyone who picked Chris Cook will want to read this, I envision great things from him if he keeps his head on straight.

From Rotoworld:

Opposing quarterbacks produced a 126.6 passer rating versus the Vikings in 10 games without Chris Cook compared to a 78.6 rating in six games with the talented cornerback in the lineup last season.

To further illustrate Cook's impact, opposing QBs boasted a laughably dominant 26:2 TD-to-INT ratio and 72.5 completion percentage in those 10 games he missed. At 6'2" and 212 pounds, Cook has the size, athleticism, and physicality to match up with NFC North beasts Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, and Jordy Nelson. Look for Cook to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers in 2012.