In the 2015 NFL season, the league watched as the Minnesota Vikings emerged as one of the top teams in the NFC. They went 11-5 and walked away with their first NFC North division title since 2009. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a Pro Bowl season, while superstar running back Adrian Peterson won his third career rushing title.
One other player on offense who showed tremendous signs of promise was rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The former University of Maryland star had a fantastic rookie season, racking up over 700 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. After such a great rookie campaign, it is almost a given that Diggs is bound for another phenomenal season in 2016.
Stefon Diggs Bound for Stardom
One of the many aspects of Diggs’ game that makes him a solid receiver is his versatility. Not only is Diggs a phenomenal deep threat, but his great speed makes him a threat on screen passes, short slant routes over the middle, and also a threat on end-around runs. Diggs had an average of just under 14 yards per reception, and racked up 31 first downs on 52 receptions. Diggs also saw some action in special teams, as he returned one kick for 22 yards last season. Whether the Vikings use him as a returner in 2016 is questionable, but it goes to show just how versatile Diggs is as a player.
Injuries
While Diggs is extremely versatile and explosive as a receiver, he has already dealt with a few injuries in his short career. In his college career, Diggs missed the final six games of his sophomore season due to an injury he suffered against Wake Forest. In his junior season, he missed the final three games of the regular season due to injury. A compilation of these injuries led to him falling down the draft boards of many teams, a main reason why despite his athletic talents he was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. While Diggs did play in 13 games last season, his usage changed in each game, in part due to different injuries. Last season, Diggs dealt with a nagging hamstring injury that limited him to fewer snaps as the season went on.
This preseason, Diggs has looked completely healthy and not at all injured. However, his injury history is certainly something to keep in mind heading forward in his career.
Improved Offense
As of now, Diggs is listed as the number one receiver on the Vikings depth chart. While that typically means he would line up against the top cornerback of an opposing team, that may not be the case in 2016. The speed of Diggs will make him far more valuable as a slot receiver, and with solid receiving threats like rookie Laquon Treadwell and tight end Kyle Rudolph on the field, opposing defenses have more than just Diggs to worry about. Teddy Bridgewater looks to be ready for another solid season, and Adrian Peterson should be as dominant as ever in 2016. Such a well-rounded offense will keep defenses from keying in on Diggs, and will allow him to get far more open looks than he would otherwise.
When it comes down to it, Diggs is bound for yet another phenomenal season in 2016, and it is only a matter of time before his name is known on the national level.
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