Local Minnesota product, Zylstra, looks ‘impressive’ to Mike Zimmer so far

Spicer, Minnesota native and former CFL wide receiver Brandon Zylstra has been performing well for the Minnesota Vikings during their recent OTAs.

His path to the Minnesota Vikings may be a little more unique than others, but wide receiver Brandon Zylstra is out to prove he belongs on the team’s roster this year just as much as anyone else.

A native of Spicer, Minnesota, Zylstra spent 2017 in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos. All he did was finish with 100 catches for 1,687 yards and five touchdowns.

Since signing a futures deal with the Vikings in January, the receiver has been participating in the team’s OTAs this spring, including Minnesota’s recent rookie minicamp. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about Zylstra on Friday and what he thought about the receiver’s performance so far this offseason.

Minnesota Vikings

"“So far, he has done an unbelievable job out here in our Phase II stuff. Running routes, catching the ball. He looks quick. Smart guy, tough. He is out here today. I asked him, ‘Are you going to play special teams or are you just going to try to be a receiver?’ He said ‘No, he is going to play.’ I said ‘Ok, we’ll see.’ That will be a big thing for him, too, is to learn how to play special teams. He has been impressive so far.”"

It sounds like Zylstra is willing to do whatever it takes to land a spot on Minnesota’s 2018 roster, even if that means he has to play special teams.

A number of the Vikings’ top players today got their start on special teams (Adam Thielen, Everson Griffen, and Trae Waynes to name a few), Minnesota is hoping their new receiver follows a similar path to success.

Zysltra should also be happy with getting any praise from Zimmer. The Vikings’ head coach is not known as one to dish out compliments to everyone, but it sounds like Zimmer is really liking what he’s seen from the receiver so far.

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It is still very early in the offseason and a lot could change between now and the start of the regular season. But for now, the latest local Minnesota receiver is off to a pretty good start.