Photograph Credit: Chris Price
This fairy tale seemed more like a nightmare back on March 11th when playmaker Percy Harvin’s glass slippers were left behind in exchange for three draft picks. Credit GM Rick Spielman for turning a pumpkin patch full of draft picks into a magical New York night that not only landed the Vikings two defensive gems but also uncovered Cinderella in the process.
Cordarrelle Patterson, the 29th overall pick also known as “Flash”, is a fan favorite in Mankato. His golden colored dreadlocks hanging from under his purple helmet is a camp fashion highlight even a story book princess would envy. Patterson’s dynamic athletic highlights on the practice field are also wowing the eye of the beholders in Minnesota. Between his one handed grabs and his incredible ability to change direction and make defenders look silly, fans have plenty of reasons to cheer and not give another thought to Percy Harvin.
Percy only stands at 5’11” 184 pounds but his shoes are almost impossible to fill. The former 2009 first round pick and Rookie of the Year has averaged 70 reception, 26.7 rush attempts and 28.5 kickoff returns per year over his 4 seasons with the Vikings. That’s a ton of production to account for, but Patterson doesn’t need to do it all on his own. He has plenty of help around him. Playmakers like Adrian Peterson, Kyle Rudolph, Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright will help open holes for “Flash” to get his share of one on one match-ups which should setup enough splash plays for him to steal the spot light.
Much like Cinderelle, Patterson is underappreciated and somewhat raw in areas… but triumphant fortunes seem to follow his shadow. Currently, Patterson is only ranked 17th on The Sporting News’ NFL Rookie of the Year candidates list. That is a whopping 14 spots behind West Virginia standout and St. Louis Rams WR Tavon Austin. Austin, the #8 overall pick in the 2013 class is the player most experts are comparing to Percy Harvin, however it is Cordarrelle Patterson with the unenviable task of following in Harvin’s footsteps. Comparing the numbers from last season, Austin averaged 8.9 yards per carry as a runner out of the backfield compared to Patterson’s 12.3 yards per rush. As a kickoff returner, Austin averaged 24.6 yards per return to Patterson’s 26.8 yards. And as a receiver, Austin averaged 11.9 yards per catch to Patterson’s 16.9 yards per catch. Patterson may not have as much Division 1 experience or polish as Austin, but I like his chances to successfully fill the Harvin void none the less.
Patterson is special with the ball in his hands, so whether he is returning kickoffs, carrying the ball on hand-offs, catching short passes or running deep, I expect chapter one of the Vikings’ season story to be enjoyable and entertaining for all ages.
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The guy has a great personality also. He is happy and smiling in every interview that I have seen with him.
Maybe cause he found Percy's glass pipe?
...as long as he doesn't find his glass jaw, we're good.
Glass pipe? Glass Jaw? That's a pretty funny exchange, even for you two. .
Just read on the Daily Norsemans blog that Musgrave had no idea about C. Patterson's "Great Hands-catching skills" Pretty good news!
Does that mean Musgrave's gonna let Patterson run a deep route? Like 7, even 8 yards deep?
Well, no. . . he's still Musgrave, afterall.
3rd and 11?; 2 yard out, that's the ticket!
Musgraves also didn't know Joe Webb can jump over a stack of 28 blue gym mats.
Good luck to Patterson. It's inevitable that he will compared to Harvin, at least for this season.
For a good take on Harvin, our old pal Kevin Seifert sums it up in the link below.
"PercyWorld. A destination with only one inhabitant". Well put Kevin.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/58481/bbao-what-the-minnesota-vikings-knew-on-percy-harvin
I think that's the best case scenario. Worst case scenario, he'll be compared to Randy Moss.
Either way, likely to be compared to a OROY. Pretty steep hill to climb.
this kid is a breath of fresh air, i like him. x man looks to be the real deal, and i'll bet we'll be very impressed with floyd, too, he just hasn't been in pads enough for us to see it. we'll have our FIRST GAME NEXT WEEK, so we can see these guys get it on for real. i'm so psyched!
i just hope ponder can pick up where he left off last season, and then be consistent. our WRs, including CP, will catch the ball if it's thrown to them
Could be a fun year, no doubt about it. My concerns, listed in order are:
Injuries
QB play
Coaching
LB play
i'd put QB first. as bud will tell you, ya can't win without good pitching
Bud will just be mad o-line didn't make the list!
This guy doesn't have much faith in the Vikings. He has them finishing last in the NFC north.....
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/minnesota-vikings-2013-team-preview-adrian-peterson-christian-ponder-kyle-rudolph-073013
last, huh? i guess somebody had to say it, but of course, he'll be wrong
DeMarcus Love is suspended for the first 4 games for PEDs. So much for that quiet camp.
He was already firmly on the bubble. Knowing he won't be available for the first 4 games this year might cost him his spot altogether if Bond and Murphy continue to develope.
The bench will miss him.
These guys never seem to learn.
Self inflicted .
On another note. Can't wait to see Cordarrelle this year !