First round picks being brought along slowly by Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have been taking their time to develop their first round draft picks before throwing them into action, and it has paid dividends.

When a team uses a first round draft pick on a player, many fans and experts expect that player to be able to be plugged into the roster and make an immediate impact. The Minnesota Vikings do not put that expectation on their rookies.

In fact, the Vikings might be on the opposite end of that spectrum. They want to be sure that their players are ready for the mental and physical challenges that football can offer at a professional level and have no problem sitting players the team makes a huge investment in to ensure they are ready when it is time.

This can be very frustrating for fans. Watching other players from the same draft class come in and contribute while high draft picks sit on the bench in Minnesota is tough, but it has to be the long play that is considered in situations like this.

"“When you have the luxury to take time to develop these guys and then play them when they’re ready, and not force them when they’re not, I think it’s helped us,” Spielman said according to the Vikings official website. “And it’s helped them become better football players.”"

But that doesn’t mean that these players aren’t in the field. This season, Trae Waynes has already made a big impact on the outcome of games and the Minnesota Vikings have snuck Laquon Treadwell in a couple of times.

"“What probably went unnoticed was Laquon playing special teams last week,” Spielman said. “He made one of the key blocks on [Marcus Sherels’ punt return] for a touchdown."

The beauty of having depth at positions is that these players don’t need to be tested right away. The emergence of guys like Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen have taken the pressure off the passing game, allowing Treadwell to learn until his number is eventually called.

"“We bring them along slowly and at the right pace, and I think that gives them the best chance to have success.”"

Next: Full game-by-game 2016 Vikings season preview

The word to remember here is ‘patience’. The Minnesota Vikings are currently enjoying a bye week to get healthy after opening the season with a 5-0 record. Having assets like Waynes and Treadwell on the bench just shows the depth and future of this franchise is in good hands, and should help fans sleep better knowing the team has long-term success in mind.