Rookie minicamp finished up Sunday and now it’s my time to read people’s thoughts that were lucky enough to be at Winter Park and take in the action. I am already excited after the draft the team had and one of the players that stood out was 5th round choice, wide receiver, Stefon Diggs.

I am really hoping this is the year that the wide receivers can be talked about like the other NFC North receivers.

I have not been this excited about this group since the days of Cris Carter, Randy Moss and Jake Reed.

I am not declaring any of the current guys Hall of Famers like Cris Carter but I do love the size of these guys along with the ages of each of this unit and the speed.

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Thielen, 6’2” and 195 pounds is coming off a breakout season for himself last season. Thielen has come the hard way by way of being a rookie free agent in 2013. Adam came to Training Camp in 2013 was cut only to be signed later in the year to the Practice Squad.

Thielen 2014 camp went so well he found himself on the 53 man roster. Adam had 8 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown. Thielen also played heavy doses of special teams highlighted by the home game vs Carolina when he came up with blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown.

Adam will be in his 3rd year when he comes to Mankato so it will be another camp to have to prove himself once again.

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) catches a touchdown pass in the second half of the game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Jarius Wright, 5’10: and 180 is entering his 4th season with the Purple. Wright in his first 3 years has 90 catches for 1332 yards and 7 Touchdowns. 2014 saw a game at home vs the New York Jets that Jarius Wright took a short pas from Bridgewater and took it the distance to win in overtime.

Cordarrelle Patterson, 6’2” and 220 pounds is the early wildcard in this unit. Patterson going into his 3rd season has 78 catches for 853 and 5 touchdowns.

We saw his rookie year and what he is capable of as his effort earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl as a return man and then 2014 season we saw Patterson trying to find himself. This offseason will be the biggest in his career for this season and the rest of his future.

Dec 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Charles Johnson (12) catches a pass against the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 13-9. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Johnson, 6’2” and 215 pounds is going into his 3rd season in the NFL but two will be with the Vikings. Johnson has 31 catches for 475 yards and 2 touchdowns which both came last year.

Charles showed last year glimpses of his speed in his deep routes as we saw him catch a deep ball vs his former team, the Green Bay Packers and he took it for six.

Mike Wallace, 6’0” and 200 pounds comes by way of a trade from the Miami Dolphins. Mike is in his 7th year with 375 catches for 5,834 yards and 47 touchdowns.

Wallace will be the veteran leader and he needs to show these youngsters how to be effective. Mike is still fairly young and is blessed with speed so with Teddy’ ability to throw such an accurate ball Wallace should have a big year.

Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Stefon Diggs, 2015 5th round draft choice I am most excited to see how he fits in. If everything I have read is correct well then this team has another guy who catches short passes and uses his athletic ability to do the rest.

I am so excited and my hope is that after you read this piece you will join me in excitement of this young, athletic wide receivers group. Teddy has got to be salivating to throw deep balls knowing the speed on the outside and his ability to throw an accurate short ball watching his guy do his thing.

I am also excited to see how offensive coordinator, Norv Turner is able to use these guys in his offensive play calling.

Yes, I know there are other guys in this group that are battling such as rookie free agents who will be battling to make the 53 man roster. If they make it I will be happy for them and support them 100 percent. I just did an early prediction of which guys I believe will be the weapons for Teddy.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick