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Rick Spielman: Cordarrelle Patterson has “really grown up a lot”

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The Vikings changed the complexion of their receiving corps this offseason when they traded for Mike Wallace and released Greg Jennings and it would change even more if Cordarrelle Patterson made the switch from intriguing talent to consistent performer.

Patterson showed off that talent in the season opener last year when he ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, but he only scored once more all season and his production as both a receiver and kick returner dropped from his rookie year. Patterson said at the end of the year that he’d do anything he could to improve this offseason, a process General Manager Rick Spielman thinks begins with realizing that thriving as a pro is about “more than just relying on your athletic skill set.