Zimmer says Böhringer has ‘improved a lot’ during his time with the Vikings

The so-called “German Randy Moss” has taken big steps in his progression as a player according to the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Some thought it was a publicity stunt and some still do, but the Minnesota Vikings definitely took a risk using one of their draft picks in 2016 to select German wide receiver Moritz Böhringer. He ended up not making the active roster as a rookie but remained with the team during the season as a member of their practice squad.

A year later, it is finally starting to look like the young wide receiver may actually have a chance to make something of himself in the NFL. During his press conference on Tuesday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about how different Böhringer looks out on the field this year when compared to 2016.

"“He’s much improved. His routes are much better. (Wide receivers coach) Darrell Hazell is doing a good job with him. He’s catching the ball better and has a better understanding of the offense. He is still a ways away but he has improved a lot. Minnesota Vikings The Viking Age 0d - 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history More headlines around FanSided: 1d - Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North 1d - Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take 1d - 6 Vikings who (maybe) won't make the 53-man roster in 2023 2d - Which teams could be drafting a quarterback next year? 2d - Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022 More News at The Viking Age These three days have been good for him and he’s helping the younger guys a little bit now which is something he couldn’t do before. The communication with the language is much better. He’s got a chance.”"

Zimmer talking about Böhringer’s improvement from a year ago should provide the receiver with a nice boost of confidence for the next few days. The nerves he had from moving to America and playing on a professional football team seem to have calmed down a bit from where they were during 2016’s training camp.

It will be interesting to see how much Minnesota plays Böhringer during the preseason as the Vikings did not put him out on the field much last year until the team’s very last preseason game. His play during actual game competition will likely determine whether or not he makes the active roster for 2017 or he is relegated to the practice squad once again.

Next: Recap from day one of Vikings camp

His best bet for this year still seems to be getting another stint on Minnesota’s practice squad. But his dreams of playing in a actual NFL regular season game do at least look to be a bit more possible than they were a year ago at this time.