Sam Bradford and Stefon Diggs are enjoying the opportunity for reps during their first offseason together.
The duo demonstrated a connection during the 2016 season, after Bradford joined the Vikings less than two weeks before making his first start. Now that they'll have even more practice time together under their belt, Bradford and Diggs were tabbed by NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt as a **“rising QB-WR combination.”** Brandt wrote the following about the system he used to assemble the list:
With a number of receivers and quarterbacks changing uniforms or pairing up for the first time in 2017, I thought I'd compile a list of rising QB-WR combinations with a good chance to join the upper echelon of aerial partnerships. The QB-WR combinations listed below meet the following criteria:
A) I expect the quarterback and receiver to both play the majority of their team's games together this season.
B) I expect each receiver listed to both lead his team in targets and generate 1,000-plus receiving yards for the first time in his working relationship with the listed quarterback.
Of 11 pairs of teammates, Brandt listed Bradford and Diggs at No. 7.
I know Bradford extremely well, going back to his time at Oklahoma -- when I'd go talk to the team, Bradford was always the guy who sat in the front row, in the first seat, attuned to everything. After a surprisingly long stretch of up-and-down production, Bradford had something of a breakout last season in Minnesota. With a full offseason to prepare this time around, Bradford should be able to potentially take another step forward. Diggs has very large hands, plenty of speed and quickness and loads of talent, and I like him to reach new highs in his young career.
Coming in at 1, 2 and 3 on Brandt's list were QB Tom Brady and WR Brandin Cooks (Patriots), QB Alex Smith and WR Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), and QB Carson Wentz and WR Alshon Jeffery (Eagles), respectively.
Kevin McDermott working to raise awareness
Vikings longsnapper Kevin McDermott and his family will make a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, **this weekend for a good cause**.
According to ESPN 99.1 writer Jerry Palleschi, the **Helpline Center** is holding its annual "Step Forward to Prevent Suicide" Walk/5K on Saturday. Palleschi wrote:
The Helpline Center has been around South Dakota since 1974. The 211 service is available for anyone who needs support, and they offer help to those that have thoughts about suicide.
This year's Step Forward to Prevent Suicide event will take place at Falls Park on Saturday, June 17. Registration begins at [8:30 a.m. (CT)] with a [9 a.m. (CT)] start for the 1.5 mile walk and 5K events. There will also be a suicide remembrance ceremony for those lost to suicide.
McDermott will be giving a presentation about Helpline Center benefits as well as sign autographs for participants.
To register for this year's event, click ****here***.*
Vikings tickets on the line for Greenway's Gridiron Gallop
Chad Greenway may have retired from the field, but he hasn't taken a break from making a difference in the community.
The former Vikings linebacker and his wife, Jenni, are once again hosting their annual "Gridiron Gallop" 5K run on Father's Day and is encouraging fans to come out and join in the festivities. The event will feature Vikings player appearances with autograph opportunities available for registered runners.
Proceeds will benefit Greenway's Lead the Way Foundation.
