Greg Jennings

The Vikings had plenty to be excited about in WR Cordarrelle Patterson’s preseason debut, a four-catch, 54-yard effort in last week’s 27-13 loss to Houston. As offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave likes to say, confidence stems from demonstrated performance. And in Patterson’s first NFL action under the lights, he met the challenge.

All of the rookie’s receptions came from backup quarterback Matt Cassel, who targeted him eight times. Best of all in Friday’s effort against Houston, according to Musgrave, Patterson was on point with his assignments.

“He was where he was supposed to be,” Musgrave said. “The quarterbacks want to know that guys are going to be dependable, be at the right depth, come out at the right angle and he was that way. You could see a bunch of passes that he caught, those balls were thrown early on anticipatory throws. And quarterbacks are starting to trust him.”

Patterson has plenty of promise as a playmaker, and as the story points out, the coaches are also still aware he needs much more coaching as he learns to refine his route running. Patterson has been learning the ropes from teammate Greg Jennings as well. Patterson ranks just 72nd on our WR list and is among a boatload of receivers who aren't getting drafted. However, Patterson's ADP is the 12th round so he's garnering some attention in drafts as a potential late-round sleeper.