Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Cordarrelle Patterson is coming off a dismal sophomore season. As a rookie, he was lauded for his return skills and his blazing speed in the open field. Sure, he had his flaws: poor route running, lack of experience against higher level competition and simply just how raw of a talent he was. But, they were largely overlooked because of his on-field production.
In 2014, those flaws clearly showed and Patterson’s production couldn’t keep up. He could only muster one touchdown on 33 receptions for 384 yards. He would eventually yield his starting spot to Charles Johnson and find himself quickly in head coach Mike Zimmer’s dog house.
Things very well could be different in 2015. The early word out from OTAs is that Patterson’s route running has dramatically improved as he worked profusely on it in the offseason (the Minnesota Vikings‘ organization still won’t divulge the name of the mystery former NFL wide receiver he worked with) and trained with “Hell’s Trainer” Frank Matrisciano. Suffice it to say, Patterson is motivated to put 2014 behind him.
The good news for Viking fans is that he has all the tools to do so. His biggest asset is speed as he his an explosive runner in every phase of a play. He gets off the line of scrimmage quickly and closes to the ball quickly; then, once in the open field, is nearly impossible to catch. For a wide receiver, Patterson possesses great ball carrier vision making excellent cuts and easily evading tacklers. It’s pretty easy to tell why scouts raved about Patterson with a quick search of his highlights.
On kickoff returns is where Patterson shines the brightest. His ability to pick his lane and weave throughout the carnage is Devin Hester-like. Then there is the breakaway speed which, when the opportunity presents itself, can put even the fastest defender out of reach.
Despite all of these skills, Patterson is still a question mark when it comes to where he will fall on the depth chart. He has three wideouts in the serviceable Jarius Wright, the breakout star Johnson and the speedster Mike Wallace blocking him as well as the very scrappy Adam Thielen behind him. He will eventually start for the Vikings, however, he will have to prove to the entire coaching staff that his years of poor route running are behind him.
The 2014 season was supposed to be the “Year of Cordarrelle Patterson.” A prediction which proved to sound more like something from a Hollywood Boulevard genie and less like something from an expert analyst.
The 2015 campaign is a new chance for Patterson to fulfill those high expectations. The tools are there. They’ve always been there for the freakishly athletic Patterson. It will come down to whether he proves that he can apply those tools correctly and effectively.
If Patterson can do this, then the third season really will be the charm.
