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Mark Craig has a nice piece where he asks guys on the team who they think is the most underrated.

http://www.startribune.com/joe-berger-i ... 323804531/

Who's your pick?

i would have to say Tom Johnson. However, one guy that's not in the list that I would bet my money on......Charles Johnson. The guy came off of a practice squad mid season and quickly grasped this offense and made big plays. He was a 7th round pick no less. He's big, fast, good route runner, and has good hands. I really think the sky is the limit for him and he is going to thrive in Turner's "X" role. I definitely feel like he is a lot better than people give him credit for

dead_poet wrote:Mark Craig has a nice piece where he asks guys on the team who they think is the most underrated.

http://www.startribune.com/joe-berger-i ... 323804531/

Who's your pick?

That's a tough question.

Berger's a good choice. he provides versatility and he's been a solid, reliable backup.

I 'm going to call it a tie between two receivers, neither of whom is named Thielen. I think Jarius Wright has steadily improved since he was drafted and is poised for a big season. I'm also going to say Cordarrelle Patterson because I think he's been devalued to the point where he is actually underrated.

Mothman wrote:
That's a tough question.

Berger's a good choice. he provides versatility and he's been a solid, reliable backup.

I 'm going to call it a tie between two receivers, neither of whom is named Thielen. I think Jarius Wright has steadily improved since he was drafted and is poised for a big season. I'm also going to say Cordarrelle Patterson because I think he's been devalued to the point where he is actually underrated.

I like that assessment as well. Patterson is just as dangerous as Adrian Peterson in the open field and is a very good kick returner. I've always loved Wright as well. Quick, good routes, good hands, etc

The first one to pop into my mind is Sharif Floyd, who seems not to get much respect but really performed well last year. I see him having a huge season this year too.

I'm hoping the right answer is Matt Kalil, and he will really prove all of us critics wrong.

Most of the other players who get a lot of flack do seem to have some significant weaknesses. Robison, Greenway, Patterson, Blanton, Robinson...

My top 5 (in no particular order):
Rhett Ellison
Marcus Sherels
Joe Berger
Gerald Hodges
Robert Blanton

I also agree that Tom Johnson is underrated, but not nearly to the extent that he was last year. He's had some solid press lately. I think pretty much every receiver can make a case for being underrated, but since the group as a whole gets a lot of love, I didn't place any of them on my list. Along the same line as Patterson, I think Matt Kalil could wind up on that list by season's end. Depending on his role, Asiata could prove to be very important in limited snaps. Our team actually has quite a few contenders based on depth, which is incredible when you think about where we've been for the past 5 years.

One guy to watch for "Most Underrated" might be Mike Harris. He's done pretty well in the preseason so far, at least in pass protection. Right now he's firmly in the prayer camp for me ("Please, God, don't let him suck) but it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Vikings offensive line shows some improvement this season and Harris holds up well but goes largely overlooked because, really, who the hell is Mike Harris? Actually, now that I think about it, the entire right side of the line is firmly in my "Please don't let them suck" category.

dead_poet wrote:One guy to watch for "Most Underrated" might be Mike Harris. He's done pretty well in the preseason so far, at least in pass protection. Right now he's firmly in the prayer camp for me ("Please, God, don't let him suck) but it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Vikings offensive line shows some improvement this season and Harris holds up well but goes largely overlooked because, really, who the hell is Mike Harris? Actually, now that I think about it, the entire right side of the line is firmly in my "Please don't let them suck" category.

I agree! Mike Harris was underrated as a tackle last year IMO. He did a solid job filling in and I think he will do great as a G, especially in pass protection.

fiestavike wrote:The first one to pop into my mind is Sharif Floyd, who seems not to get much respect but really performed well last year. I see him having a huge season this year too.

Excellent choice! Floyd gets great penetration after the snap and might be the DL's best player against the run. He'll have a great season.

Mothman wrote:I 'm going to call it a tie between two receivers, neither of whom is named Thielen. I think Jarius Wright has steadily improved since he was drafted and is poised for a big season. I'm also going to say Cordarrelle Patterson because I think he's been devalued to the point where he is actually underrated.

I agree completely about both Wright and Patterson. Neither receives enough credit for a number of things. I hope both are utilized a lot during the upcoming season.

losperros wrote: Excellent choice! Floyd gets great penetration after the snap and might be the DL's best player against the run. He'll have a great season.

If he and Barr can stay healthy, I expect things from both of them this season.

Marcus Sherels. Second choice Gerald Hodges.

Jarius Wright .. how many big plays did he come up with, last season on 3 and long and Jarius was the guy IMO that got us the yards
and the walk off win in overtime against the Jets..

Jarius Wright

Harrison Smith.

Jordysghost wrote:Harrison Smith.

Maybe by outsiders, but the fans know he's making the Pro Bowl this year.