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Minnesota Vikings: 5 Players who could earn first Pro Bowl nod

By Joe Kipp

(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 24: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 24: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

2. Dalvin Cook, Running Back

Dalvin Cook comes into his second season with even more hype than when he was a rookie. Before getting injured in just his fourth career game, he was on pace for well over 1,500 yards rushing. The Vikings leaned heavily on Cook to start 2017, which doesn’t figure to change this season, even after an ACL tear.

The biggest question regarding Cook will be whether he can run in-between the tackles. An area he struggled in last season was zone runs up the middle, which might not change this season due to the Vikings’ weak depth on the interior of the offensive line.

Cook excels when he bounces outside the hash marks, and is one of the most elusive running backs in the NFL. He possesses one of the best jump cuts out of any runner, which makes his big play ability much more likely. If Cook touches the ball at the same rate he did last year, you can pretty much book him a spot in the Pro Bowl.

1. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver

Probably the more exciting player out of the Vikings’ starting wide receivers, Stefon Diggs has as much talent as any receiver in the NFL. That includes Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, AJ Green, DeAndre Hopkins and others.

The biggest issue for Diggs has been his ability to stay on the field. Diggs has missed 10 games in his NFL career, which has undoubtedly been his greatest downfall. Of course, some injuries are just happenstance, but unfair or not, fans will criticize players who consistently show up on the injury report.

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That being said, there are many more positives than negatives when it comes to Diggs’ game. He’s a top five route runner, has incredible hands, is great in contested-catch situations and remains one of the most explosive players on the Vikings’ roster.

With Kirk Cousins at the helm, and a season of at least  90 percent health, Diggs could put up special numbers. Expect big things from the fourth-year receiver, whose headed into a pivotal contract year.

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