Vikings 2016 sleeper candidate Adam Thielen
The Vikings are vying to get back to the playoffs and earn their bid to Houston for Super Bowl 51. Star players like Adrian Peterson and company will not be able to do it alone. Minnesota will need others to step up and and compete at a higher level.
Adam Thielen is one player who could bring that component to the team. Thielen is home grown in Minnesota and attended college right where the Vikings travel for training camp at Minnesota State University Mankato. The young wide receiver has developed quite the role for his team.
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Thielen, who was once just another camp body, has become a jack of all trades. It wouldn’t be just to label him as only a receiver. Thielen has been extremely valuable to Mike Priefer and the rest of the special teams group. From returning and covering kicks to even blocking them, Thielen has made a name for himself.
Thielen has also flashed as a receiver in his short career with the Vikings. He will not start ahead of players like Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell, but he has made a case for more playing time. His route tree is sharp, he’s quick in and out of routs, and he is technically sound. Thielen has an especially hard work ethic and it shows. He has battled himself up from being just a practice squad guy to being a sure lock on the 53 man roster.
Why shouldn’t Thielen’s role grow even more in 2016? What he has done so far has built a role for his future. There is a lot of hope for the young wideout and his career. He has grown in all aspects of his game and looks to be even better with another year of development. An expanded role in the offense is imminent for Thielen. With hard work comes reward and he is ready to reap the opportunity.
Thielen could see the field more on third downs in passing situations as one of Bridgewater’s most dependable guys. With the way he plays the game, Thielen has the ability to take advantage of matchups and get open for his quarterback when he is needed most. Last season, Thielen made tough catches at critical points to keep the offense on field.
Thielen is a vital member of this Vikings’ team as he affects so many phases of the game. Fans will be surprised by his continued development and increasing role on the team. He serves as valuable depth on the roster. When Thielen’s number is called, the Vikings can trust him to get the job done.
Thielen nabbed 20 receptions last year. Fans can expect even higher production out of Thielen in 2016. Number 19 has the ability to breakout and prove his worth to the team. When the defensive focus is shifted to players like Peterson, Treadwell and Diggs, Thielen is a worthy sleeper candidate who can make defenses pay.
Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like, follow and upvote vikings32 on on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit.
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