Minnesota Sports Forum

Thread for PFN players ranks.

Kicking it off with QB.

9. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Speaking of inconsistencies, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has frustrated his fans with remarkable feats in-season and less than stellar play when it matters most. Regardless, Cousins is vastly more dependable than Wentz at this time in his career. Since 2015, he's started in all but one contest, completed 69% or more of his passes three times, and threw 25 or more touchdowns each year. I get the frustrations, but he's easily top 12 at the position.

FORMER VIKINGS RANKED:
22. Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers
As one of the more stringent evaluations, Bridgewater has only started in 22 contests dating back to 2015. Due to a significant injury in 2016, I'm unable to use his '15 tape for anything more than a fun reminiscence.

But here's the key: Bridgewater has improved physically, emotionally, and mentally each season since 2017, and threw just 90 passes fewer than Ryan Tannehill (league leader in QB rating) last year. He took advantage of his limited snaps and was not signed to the Panthers by mistake.

23. Case Keenum, Cleveland Browns
That's right, Keenum gives the Browns the best chance to win right now, but it's unlikely he'll be named the starter in 2020. The Browns will be his fourth franchise in four seasons, which makes it extremely difficult for any quarterback to thrive. Despite an ever-changing environment, he's garnered an 18-20 record as a starter dating back to 2017. During that time, he's completed 65% of his passes for more than 9,000 yards and 51 touchdowns.

WR

15. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Adam Thielen battled injuries last season but was still the productive receiver we've known for years now. His separation and ability to adjust to off-target throws while contested are special qualities


FORMER VIKINGS RANKED

11. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Few wide receivers, if any, create separation like Stefon Diggs. His skill-set doesn't end there, as he's shown the ability to win in tight spaces at a high rate. Diggs has proven that he's dangerous as both an underneath and vertical threat.

DT

17. Michael Pierce, Minnesota Vikings
Michael Pierce is a name that many people won't recognize because he doesn't stuff the stat sheet, but he does make a huge impact in the run game. Pierce is arguably the best run-defending player on this list with elite play strength and powerful hands and leg drive. Pierce eats double teams with ease. He isn't an outstanding pass-rusher, but he does show off a thunderous bull rush that often collapses the pocket in the middle.

FORMER VIKINGS

18. Sheldon Richardson, Cleveland Browns
Richardson has established himself as one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in the NFL, who is equally as stout against the run as he is the pass. Richardson uses his speed and strength to wreak havoc against the run. He can play multiple alignments and gaps along the line. His 36 pressures the last two seasons are a testament to his ability to impact the passing game with his impressive toolbox of pass-rushing moves.

It will be interesting to see where they rank hunter, Cook, Kendricks, Harris, and Smith.

4. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Prior to last year, Dalvin Cook hadn't been healthy for more than 11 games in a single season. In 2019, Cook played in 14 games, rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cook has the luxury of having one of the league's top backups in Alexander Mattison, who offers starter upside, which kept him fresh throughout the season. If the Vikings' 1-2 punch proves to be just as effective in 2020, I foresee a 1,300-yard campaign from the Florida State product.