Taking a page out of the NFL’s media playbook, we’re exploring the Minnesota Vikings’ roster to identify players who will “Make the Leap” in 2016. Since 2014, five Vikings have appeared on the website’s annual list, from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to wide receiver/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson.

For a team with budding talent at nearly every position, the options are endless. Some players, like Anthony Barr, are already considered some of the best at their respective positions. Others, like Stefon Diggs, have a chance to enter the conversation this season.

The Vikings Territory team made some surprising choices in this week’s VT QOTW, from singling out a certain third-year quarterback to highlighting a few under-the-radar names. After the jump, find out who we chose, and be sure to share your own selections in the comments and poll at the end of the post!

Which Vikings “Make the Leap” in 2016?

Carl: Vikings TE MyCole Pruitt

With Rhett Ellison a candidate to open the season on the PUP list, MyCole Pruitt will get a golden opportunity to see an expanded role heading into his second season. New tight ends coach Pat Shurmur historically knows how to get great production from his athletic tight ends. Pruitt is the most athletic tight end on the roster and is a natural hands catcher who was highly prolific in college.

His 4.58 40-yard dash time was tops among tight ends at the 2015 NFL combine. He is versatile enough to line up as an H-back in the backfield or split out wide as a receiver, creating matchup nightmares. Shurmur will certainly be excited to put his 38-inch vertical, his ability to catch in traffic, and his high football IQ on display early in 2016.

Sam: Vikings DE Danielle Hunter

As I mentioned in my list of the 10 Most Important Players to the Vikings’ future, I believe Hunter will eventually become a pass rushing force and a 10-sack minimum guy every season. He’s a freakish athlete who is a perfect fit for Zimmer’s system.

Yes, the team’s starter are set along the defensive front, but I expect Hunter’s rotational snaps to increase significantly in 2016, and think he’ll see time at both end spots and will be used as a standup rusher on occasion. The glut of pass rushing talent along the front seven will aid Hunter, allowing him to avoid double teams while offenses key on players like Griffen, Floyd, and Barr. I wouldn’t be surprised to see double digit sacks from Hunter in 2016.

Adam W.: Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater

I’m going to go ahead and cast my vote of confidence where it matters most: with our young quarterback. In Teddy Bridgewater, I see a great franchise quarterback that has the “it” factor required to do great things on the stage of the NFL. He seemed on the verge of breakout at times in 2015, stifled by atrocious offensive line play, and the Vikings have certainly made a point to try and improve (hard to get worse) that situation in 2016. That right there will be key to seeing what Bridgewater is made of, and I’m putting all my chips on “5.”

Austin: Vikings LB Eric Kendricks

Kendricks was at home in the middle of Mike Zimmer’s defense, thanks in large part to his well-developed abilities and familiarity with running-mate, former UCLA defensive end Anthony Barr. Though he started 11 games for the Vikings last season and led the team with 105 tackles, Kendricks still has room to grow.

Heading into his second season, Kendricks can build on the attributes — quick feet, recognition in coverage, make-up speed — that made him such a success his rookie year. It’s as a run defender, deep in the trenches, where Kendricks stands to improve the most. With his work ethic, it should be no issue for the talented linebacker.