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I think that Cordarelle Patterson will be returning kicks and will work his way into a starting wr. his rookie year and thus will contribute the most from their entire rookie class.

Sharrif Floyd
Xavier Rhodes
Cordarelle Patterson, WR.
Gerald Hodges
Jeff Locke
Jeff Baca
Michael Mauti
Travis Bond
Everett Dawkins

The only one we know for certain will be starting is Locke. I'd say Rhodes is also likely to start at CB and should do well. He'd be my bet. Patterson may eventually start at WR, but as we've seen in recent years on this team, that doesn't mean a player will contribute much at the position.

Eli wrote:The only one we know for certain will be starting is Locke. I'd say Rhodes is also likely to start at CB and should do well. He'd be my bet. Patterson may eventually start at WR, but as we've seen in recent years on this team, that doesn't mean a player will contribute much at the position.

My first thought was Rhodes also. I REALLY hope he can be the shut down corner that this franchise has sorely lacked.

I love Winfield, but is there a doubt that if we put together an all-star team solely composed of Minnesota Vikings from the past and present, the corners would be among the least distinguished players on the team? I'm not saying Rhodes will end up in Canton, unlike every other Viking who has played the position, but he seems to have a ton of potential.

80 PurplePride 84 wrote:Locke.

Great answer. Can't go wrong there. I think Cordarelle will be a monster in the return game and Xavier should be really solid in coverage, so I think they will all contribute considerably.

I really hope it's one of the defensive guys....Rhodes in particular. It would be great if one of the LBs stepped up huge, but I think Rhodes is the one who will get the most playing time.

CP is a wildcard...if he proves to be as quick a learner on this level as he was in the SEC, he could really make a difference just in the coverage he would require. My gut says it will take him longer to become that. Looking forward to being wrong about that.

PacificNorseWest wrote: Great answer. Can't go wrong there.

Really? You think Locke is a guaranteed instant upgrade over Kluwe? I wish it was that simple. Draft a guy to replace another, plug him in, instant upgrade.

Eli wrote: Really? You think Locke is a guaranteed instant upgrade over Kluwe? I wish it was that simple. Draft a guy to replace another, plug him in, instant upgrade.

Guaranteed? No. Do I think he should be better than 31st in the League with punts inside the 20? Yes.

Kluwe was nothing special these last two years and he shanked more then his fair share of punts. Locke should be an upgrade and with how integral a punter can be with field positioning and setting up a defense, I do think he will contribute immediately and all season.

No need to get snarky with me. Nowhere do I go on about drafting working the way you imply. Relax.

I'm going with Sharrif Floyd. He may finally be able to fix our problem at nose tackle. It's just something about this guy that says future hall of famer. And to make a even bolder prediction, I predict he will be a pro bowl selection his first year.

Floyd and Patterson. Floyd will play alongside of Williams and make our run defense resemble that with Pat Williams. Patterson will be a stud kick returner and will eventually be the playmaking WR we have been look for since Moss left.

I like Floyd a lot, but I just don't know if he sees enough snaps to make the MOST contributions out of this group.

I've been saying around my way that the Seahawks started something with these big and physical CB's. Teams are going to make this a point of emphasis. Seattle was the first-movers and Minnesota looks like it may follow suit. Good idea.

PacificNorseWest wrote:I've been saying around my way that the Seahawks started something with these big and physical CB's. Teams are going to make this a point of emphasis. Seattle was the first-movers and Minnesota looks like it may follow suit. Good idea.

Well technically, the Vikings first sought size at the CB position by drafting Chris Cook in 2010 to match up against Calvin Johnson.

Anyway, I think the combination of Chris and Xavier will work wonders for our team. Granted that Chris stays healthy of course.

Purple bruise wrote:I think that Cordarelle Patterson will be returning kicks and will work his way into a starting wr. his rookie year and thus will contribute the most from their entire rookie class.

Sharrif Floyd
Xavier Rhodes
Cordarelle Patterson, WR.
Gerald Hodges
Jeff Locke
Jeff Baca
Michael Mauti
Travis Bond
Everett Dawkins

I think its a toss up between Rhodes and Patterson...IMO both will play major roles on the Vikings this year. Patterson will have the most immediate impact and Rhodes will have equal impact as the season progresses. Can't wait to see these guys play!!!

My pick is Patterson:

I do not think he's going to be a huge factor in the first 8 games in the passing game beyond specialy plays just because he is so raw and it takes time for this position to develop. Still, I think he'll have the most visible impact because of the touches he's going to get in the return game. Every ST play has a chance to make something special happen.

I think Floyd potentially will be the best of the 3 1st rounders, but he is built to play KWill's position, not NT. He'll be an impact player from that position in the passing game as a rusher, but he doesn't have the size to take up space and be a true NT like PWill was. That is fine, but I think Floyd is going to be awesome at the 3 technique we just might not see much of it this year.

Rhodes could be a Mr. Stuff, but unless he gets picks we might never see him unless the broadcasters catch wind of his performance or he makes so amazing pass break ups. We'll see, I hope so.

Who knows, Gerald Hodges could blow up to, no guarrantees.

mansquatch wrote:My pick is Patterson:

I do not think he's going to be a huge factor in the first 8 games in the passing game beyond specialy plays just because he is so raw and it takes time for this position to develop. Still, I think he'll have the most visible impact because of the touches he's going to get in the return game. Every ST play has a chance to make something special happen.

I think Floyd potentially will be the best of the 3 1st rounders, but he is built to play KWill's position, not NT. He'll be an impact player from that position in the passing game as a rusher, but he doesn't have the size to take up space and be a true NT like PWill was. That is fine, but I think Floyd is going to be awesome at the 3 technique we just might not see much of it this year.

Rhodes could be a Mr. Stuff, but unless he gets picks we might never see him unless the broadcasters catch wind of his performance or he makes so amazing pass break ups. We'll see, I hope so.

Who knows, Gerald Hodges could blow up to, no guarrantees.

I agree and when you are talking about Gerald Hodges I am not sure about the first year but this kid has everything you look for in a linebacker he will definately see a whole lot of ST's and will possibly contribute as a linebacker sooner than later.