While last year's first-round draft pick, cornerback Trae Waynes, did not play much on defense as a rookie, coach Mike Zimmer in his first two years with the Vikings wasn't afraid to put worthy rookies into starting roles. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks all played the majority of the snaps in their rookie years.
This year's first-round pick, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, is hoping to secure a significant role, too. But Zimmer, of course, will make him earn it. So far, Treadwell has mostly been working with second team in OTAs while Charles Johnson and Stefon Diggs have run routes for Bridgewater.