Biggest offseason developments: Unquestionably, the organization's biggest move of the entire offseason was the March 11 trade of Percy Harvin to Seattle, a deal from which General Manager Rick Spielman procured three draft picks – first- and seventh-rounders for this year and a fourth-rounder in 2014. … Four days after the Harvin trade, Spielman signed veteran Greg Jennings to a five-year contract, worth up to $47.5 million. … In April, the Vikings selected Cordarrelle Patterson with the 29th pick, a selection they acquired from New England in exchange for four other picks.
What we'll be watching: Jennings and Patterson. Patterson and Jennings.
Is the 29-year-old veteran ready to become Christian Ponder's go-to guy? Is the explosive yet raw rookie making strides in absorbing the offense and fine-tuning his route running?
If the Vikings passing attack is to make significant improvement in 2013, Jennings and Patterson will each have to make good on the realistic expectations set out for them. Through camp, it will be interesting to see how each player fares individually while also keeping an eye on their interaction with one another with Jennings tasked with mentoring Patterson.
Without question, we also want to see how Webb is handling his transition to a new position. His athleticism is off the charts. His hands appear to be solid. Now comes the question on whether he can process the offense from a new position, learning to get in rhythm with Christian Ponder and establishing consistency in his route running.
On a deep sleeper note, we're intrigued to keep an eye on Thielen, a native of Detroit Lakes who played his college ball in Mankato. Thielen will have to carve out a role on special teams (perhaps as a punt returner?) if he has any hopes of making the team. But over the summer, he flashed signs of promise and is interesting as a developmental guy.
