3 reasons why Teddy Bridgewater will return better than ever

#2) He has plenty of talent around him

While losing a year on the field at such a young age is an unfortunate delay in the development of a young quarterback, Bridgewater also stands to return to an increasingly talented receiving corps in 2017. The Vikings have dedicated parts of each of their previous three Drafts to improving their wide receiving corps, and thus far the results have been promising. Charles Johnson, Stefon Diggs, Jarius Wright and 2016’s first round pick Laquon Treadwell all have upside that should continue to grow this season, regardless of who is throwing them the ball (capable, but non-flashy vet Shaun Hill at the moment).

Diggs made a big splash on the season last season, catching 52 balls for 720 yards as rookie, while finding the end zone four times. He was Bridgewater’s favorite target last season, being targeted six or more times in five games.

Diggs’ breakout follows in the footsteps of a similar debut for Johnson in 2014, when he had 475 yards and a pair of scores. He regressed a year ago, but is in position yet again to prove himself atop the depth chart across from Diggs this year.

The hope is that Treadwell, whom the club took with the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft, can quickly take to the league as well and cap off the group with another big play threat. As a junior at Ole Miss, he was an All-American, making 82 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 scores.

This is a group who will ultimately be made even better by Bridgewater’s return, but will be a superior product for him to ease back into game shape with as well. With the 27-year-old Johnson being the ‘elder’ statesman of the group, it could still become one of the most dynamic young group of pass-and-catch pairings in the game in short order.

Next: #1: He's football smart