The Facts: When Minnesota gave up four draft picks to trade back into the first round last year to draft Patterson, his physical traits made teams excited about the potential. But Patterson, after only one year of major college football, was more projection than production. The 6-2, 220-pound Patterson was considered raw. He was not a precise route runner. He succeeded on natural ability. Even slight improvement this year, given all Patterson's natural athleticism, might be enough to take the league by storm. "He's got great instincts when he gets the ball in his hand and he makes great run decisions," OC Norv Turner said. "He's got great vision. I think from Day 1 to now he's improved as a route runner. He's been very serious about working as a route runner."

Diehards Line: Patterson's teammates are also seeing differences from last year. "I just think his route-running and his ability to recognize defense," QB Matt Cassel said of where Patterson has shown the most progress. "I think that's huge for him, and any receiver, as you move forward. The key component, I think, is understanding defenses and how they're trying to attack you and how you work your different releases." Patterson's transition to the NFL was slow -- at least as a receiver -- whether due to his learning curve or the previous coaching staff's decision to ease him into the offense. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, including one in his second regular-season game and later tying the NFL record with a 109-yard return. Through five games, though, he had five catches for 85 yards. Slowly, Patterson's role on offense began to increase. He finished third on the Vikings with 45 catches for 469 yards. The final six games from 2013 were most promising. He had a season-high eight catches against Green Bay. He caught five passes for a season-high 141 yards two weeks later. He had three receiving touchdowns in three of the final four games. He was used more out of the backfield, as well, and had rushing touchdowns in three of the final five games, scoring at least once in each of the season's last five games in all. And his role should expand again this season. He practiced as a starting receiver throughout the summer.