5 Minnesota Vikings players with nothing to prove in 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumbled ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Adam Thielen - Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Adam Thielen /

2. Adam Thielen, wide receiver

It sounds weird considering his situation entering 2019, but Adam Thielen has been forced to prove his skills at every level of his football career. By now, fans have heard the story of his difficult recruitment to college football, small scholarship, going undrafted, being on the practice squad, and finally earning a spot on the team’s roster.

Each challenge Thielen has been given has been absolutely smashed. He has worked his way to becoming a two-time Pro Bowl player who was second-team All-Pro. But it is what he can do on the football field that makes him invaluable to the Minnesota Vikings.

Thielen can be put in any spot where the team needs a pass catcher and he can make things happen. Whether they line him up on the outside, in the slot, or anywhere else, the wide receiver has shown off his amazing hands, great route running, and ability to position himself in situations to win one-on-one battles.

After back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 yards, it should be trusted that Thielen’s production and success is no fluke. He has established himself as one of the premier pass-catchers in the NFL and should be treated as such.