The Facts:
Patterson will have to battle for a starting gig in the offense, but he already has the inside track to start as the returner. The rookie spent the first two days of training as the primary kick returner -- Percy Harvin's former job -- and impressed HC Leslie Frazier. "It wasn't like starting from zero like we thought it might be," Frazier said Saturday. "That encourages all of us. Now take that with a grain of salt. We've got a lot more football to go, but we like what we see so far."
Reported by NFL.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As NFL.com's Kevin Patra noted, Patterson has the raw skill, speed and make-you-miss moves to excel in the kick game. Frazier insisted the receiver's time on the kick team would in no way diminish any role he earns in the offense. The first-round pick also spent a large portion of Saturday's practice with the first-team offense, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, enhancing the thought that he might win the starting job out of the gate. Should Patterson win the return job along with a starting receiver spot, it would be a clear sign of the Vikings' belief in his ability to contribute as a rookie. It also makes him of much greater fantasy interest.
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