Vikings Training Camp Superlatives

The following was bouncing around social media last week. I only saw it among fans of the Minnesota Vikings so I'm not sure if it had a league-wide run. I wasn't sure what to call it but a Vikings podcaster referred to it as "Training Camp Superlatives." That works. I'll steal it and run with it.

Minnesota Vikings Superlatives

Breakout Guy: Kirk Cousins
A string of 4,000-yard, 25+ TD seasons might say that Cousins has already broken out. With that $84 million, three-year contract, Cousins has to be more than nice throwing numbers. He has to win. He has to break out in leading his team to wins. And Championships.

Comeback Kid: Dalvin Cook
This one is easy. His rookie season ended after 3.5 games last year. He was trending toward elite in those 3.5 games. Quarterbacks are critical in today's NFL. Cousins is critical to the Vikings offense. But the Vikings offense will probably run through Cook.

Rising Star: Stefon Diggs
This was a tossup between Diggs and Danielle Hunter. An argument can be made that Diggs is already a star. The only thing that's kept him from erasing doubts about his star status has been his durability. He's missed time each season and that's stunted his stats. When he's on the field, Diggs is one of the league's best receivers.

Don't Forget About: Laquon Treadwell
A lot of people have written Treadwell off as a first round bust. I'm not one of them. Treadwell just has to get out of his own way, out of his own head. He just has to start playing football again. The talent and desire are there. I'm hoping that a new quarterback and new offensive coordinator will bring a new sense of confidence to Treadwell. Football is fun. He just has to remember that.

Needs To Rebound: Rashod Hill
The Vikings offensive line was much improved last year. There's still a lot of room for more improvement. Hill was solid when for most of the season but seemed to wear down as the year got longer. He improved his diet and conditioning in the offseason. The Vikings need consistency from him at right tackle. He may need that consistency to fend off second-round pick Brian O'Neill.

Darkhorse: Devante Downs
As a Cal alum, this is a homer pick. He was a difference-making defender until a knee injury ended his season last October. If not for that injury he likely would've been an early round pick. If he can stay on the field throughout training camp he could surprise.

Under The Radar: Tyler Conklin
The Vikings need another receiving option at tight end. They also need a uniquely skilled red zone option. Conklin can be that guy.

Most Intriguing: Sheldon Richardson
Richardson's signing this offseason was a little overlooked because it came a day after the signing of Cousins. Richardson has been one of the most disruptive interior linemen since he entered the league. The Vikings defense has been terrific in recent years despite not having a consistent penetrating presence at the 3-technique position. It's the shortest route to the quarterback and action in the backfield. When he's at the top of his game Richardson can ruin the intentions of the offense as efficiently as any interior lineman in the league.