Can Adam Thielen cope with extra responsibility for the Vikings in 2020?

Thielen’s rise to stardom

Adam Thielen’s rise to prominence in the NFL is an inspirational one. The former Minnesota-Mankato prospect went undrafted in 2013 before earning his way onto a roster the following year.

He was given an opportunity by the Minnesota Vikings and hasn’t looked back. Thielen quickly emerged as a real threat and a dependable catcher despite his lack of experience in the pros.

After two seasons of sparse involvement, Thielen burst onto the scene more prominently in 2016. The wide receiver was on the field for 74 percent of the Vikings’ offensive snaps on his way to 69 catches, 967 yards, and six touchdowns.

Things got even better for the player in 2017. Thielen cam on a significant amount and managed to secure 91 of 143 targets for 1,276 yards and four touchdowns. He provided the franchise with a real presence on intermediate routes and

Thielen firmly established himself as an elite NFL receiver in 2018. His consistency came to the forefront once again and had the best season of his career in quarterback Kirk Cousins’ first season with the franchise.

The player hauled in an outstanding 113 balls from 155 targets to achieve 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns on a 12.2 yards-per-catch average. His chemistry with Cousins was instant and although the Vikings did not make the playoffs, there was plenty of encouragement regarding the duo’s ability to link up on a consistent basis.

Theilen’s exceptional career to date has seen him selected to second-team All-Pro in 2017. He has also earned two Pro Bowl selections.