Home › Trends5

Ryan Cordell: The Vikings' Underrated Playmaker

Trends January 10, 2025

Who is Ryan Cordell, and what is his connection to the Minnesota Vikings?

Ryan Cordell is an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Cordell played college football at Purdue University, where he was a standout wide receiver. He was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team in 2021 after catching 62 passes for 847 yards and seven touchdowns.

Cordell is a promising young wide receiver with good size and athleticism. He has a strong work ethic and is eager to prove himself in the NFL. He is expected to compete for a roster spot and playing time with the Vikings in 2023.

Personal Details

Name	Ryan Cordell
Position	Wide Receiver
Team	Minnesota Vikings
College	Purdue University
Hometown	Indianapolis, Indiana
Height	6'1"
Weight	205 lbs

Ryan Cordell Vikings

Ryan Cordell is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. He is a promising young player with good size, athleticism, and a strong work ethic. Here are six key aspects of Ryan Cordell's career so far:

Undrafted free agent: Cordell was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
Purdue Boilermakers: Cordell played college football at Purdue University, where he was a standout wide receiver.
NFL Debut: Cordell made his NFL debut in 2022, appearing in four games for the Vikings.
Special Teams: Cordell has primarily played on special teams for the Vikings, contributing to their coverage units.
Roster Competition: Cordell is expected to compete for a roster spot and playing time with the Vikings in 2023.
Upside Potential: Cordell has shown flashes of his potential, and he could develop into a valuable contributor for the Vikings in the future.

These six aspects provide a snapshot of Ryan Cordell's career so far. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and he is looking to make a bigger impact for the Vikings in the future.

1. Undrafted free agent

Ryan Cordell's journey to the NFL is an inspiring one. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent. This is a significant accomplishment, as only a small percentage of undrafted free agents make it to an NFL roster.

Cordell's success as an undrafted free agent is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. He impressed the Vikings coaching staff with his athleticism, work ethic, and special teams ability.

Cordell's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and never give up on your dreams. He is a role model for all aspiring athletes, showing that it is possible to achieve your goals even if you are not selected in the NFL Draft.

The Vikings are fortunate to have Cordell on their roster. He is a valuable contributor to the team, both on and off the field. He is a hard worker, a team player, and a great representative of the Vikings organization.

2. Purdue Boilermakers

Ryan Cordell's college football career at Purdue University played a pivotal role in his journey to the NFL and his success with the Minnesota Vikings.

Development of Skills: Purdue provided Cordell with a platform to hone his skills and refine his craft as a wide receiver. He received top-notch coaching and training, which helped him develop his route running, ball handling, and overall football IQ.
Game Experience: Playing for the Purdue Boilermakers gave Cordell valuable game experience and prepared him for the rigors of the NFL. He faced top-level competition in the Big Ten Conference, which helped him adjust to the speed, physicality, and intensity of professional football.
Showcase for Talents: Purdue's program provided Cordell with a platform to showcase his talents to NFL scouts. His impressive performances and statistics caught the attention of the Vikings, who were impressed by his athleticism, work ethic, and production.
Pipeline to the NFL: Purdue University has a strong track record of producing NFL talent, and Cordell benefited from being part of that pipeline. The Vikings have a history of drafting and signing players from Purdue, which made Cordell a familiar name to the organization.

In conclusion, Ryan Cordell's college football career at Purdue University was instrumental in his success with the Minnesota Vikings. It provided him with the necessary skills, experience, and exposure to make the transition to the NFL and become a valuable contributor to the team.

3. NFL Debut

Ryan Cordell's NFL debut in 2022 marked a significant milestone in his football career and highlighted his potential as a valuable contributor to the Minnesota Vikings.

Special Teams Impact: Cordell primarily made his impact on special teams during his rookie season, contributing to the Vikings' coverage units. His athleticism, instincts, and tackling ability made him a key player in the Vikings' special teams scheme.
Limited Offensive Opportunities: Cordell saw limited opportunities on offense in 2022, appearing in four games but not recording any receptions. However, he made the most of his chances, showing good route running and ball tracking skills.
Learning and Development: Cordell's rookie season was a valuable learning experience as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. He gained valuable knowledge from veteran teammates and coaches, which will be crucial for his development in the future.
Future Outlook: Cordell's NFL debut provided a glimpse of his potential, and he is expected to play a more significant role for the Vikings in the future. With his work ethic and determination, he has the ability to develop into a reliable wide receiver and special teams contributor.

In conclusion, Ryan Cordell's NFL debut in 2022 was a positive step in his journey as a professional football player. While his playing time was limited, he made the most of his opportunities and showed the potential to become a valuable asset to the Minnesota Vikings in the years to come.

4. Special Teams

Ryan Cordell's role on special teams is an integral part of his contributions to the Minnesota Vikings. Special teams play a crucial role in the outcome of NFL games, and Cordell's abilities in this area make him a valuable asset to the team.

Special teams units are responsible for field goals, extra points, punts, kickoffs, and returns. Cordell primarily contributes to the Vikings' coverage units, which aim to prevent the opposing team from returning these kicks or punts for touchdowns or significant gains.

Cordell's athleticism, instincts, and tackling ability make him an effective special teams player. He is able to quickly identify the ball carrier, close in on them, and make a tackle to limit their return yardage. His contributions on special teams help the Vikings maintain field position and prevent big plays by the opposing team.

In addition to his role on coverage units, Cordell has also shown potential as a return specialist. In limited opportunities, he has showcased good ball tracking skills and the ability to make quick decisions in the return game.

Overall, Ryan Cordell's contributions on special teams are a key part of his value to the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to make tackles, limit return yardage, and potentially contribute as a return specialist make him a valuable member of the team.

5. Roster Competition

The competitive nature of the NFL roster spot battle is a significant aspect of Ryan Cordell's journey with the Minnesota Vikings. Earning a roster spot and playing time in the NFL requires immense talent, hard work, and dedication, and Cordell's upcoming competition in 2023 is a testament to his potential and the challenges he faces.

As the Vikings prepare for the upcoming season, Cordell will need to prove his worth in training camp and preseason games. He will compete against other wide receivers on the roster, both veterans and fellow young players, for a limited number of roster spots. Cordell's performance in these competitive settings will be crucial in determining his chances of making the final roster and contributing to the team's success.

The competition for roster spots and playing time is a driving force for NFL players to push themselves to the limits and consistently improve their skills. Cordell's ability to compete effectively in this environment will be a key factor in determining his long-term success with the Vikings. A strong performance in 2023 could earn him a more prominent role on the team, while a less successful showing could limit his opportunities.

Ultimately, the roster competition that Cordell faces in 2023 is an essential component of his growth and development as an NFL player. By embracing the challenge and proving himself on the field, he can earn the respect of his coaches and teammates and secure a valuable spot on the Minnesota Vikings roster.

6. Upside Potential

Ryan Cordell's upside potential is a significant aspect of his connection to the Minnesota Vikings. His flashes of potential indicate that he possesses the talent and abilities to become a valuable contributor to the team in the future.

Athleticism and Physical Tools: Cordell possesses impressive athleticism and physical tools, including good size, speed, and agility. These attributes give him the potential to excel as a wide receiver in the NFL.
Route Running and Hands: Cordell has shown good route running ability and reliable hands, which are essential skills for a wide receiver to succeed. He is able to create separation from defenders and consistently make catches in traffic.
Special Teams Contributions: Cordell has already made an impact on special teams, showcasing his versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple areas. His contributions on coverage units and potential as a return specialist add value to his overall game.
Work Ethic and Coachability: Cordell is known for his strong work ethic and coachability. He is always eager to learn and improve, which bodes well for his future development and potential to reach his full potential.

The combination of Cordell's physical tools, fundamental skills, and positive attitude suggests that he has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor for the Minnesota Vikings. While he still needs to prove himself on a consistent basis, his flashes of potential are a promising sign for his future with the team.

FAQs on Ryan Cordell, Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Ryan Cordell, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.

Question 1: What is Ryan Cordell's background and how did he join the Vikings?

Answer: Ryan Cordell played college football at Purdue University, where he was a standout wide receiver. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent.

Question 2: What are Cordell's primary contributions to the Vikings?

Answer: Cordell primarily contributes to the Vikings on special teams, where he is a key member of their coverage units. He has also shown potential as a wide receiver, showcasing good route running and ball tracking skills.

Question 3: What is Cordell's role on the Vikings' offense?

Answer: Cordell's role on the Vikings' offense is still developing. He has primarily been used as a reserve wide receiver and has seen limited playing time. However, he has shown potential and could earn a larger role in the future.

Question 4: What are Cordell's strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Answer: Cordell's strengths include his athleticism, route running ability, and special teams contributions. His weaknesses include his limited experience and need to improve his consistency.

Question 5: What is Cordell's future outlook with the Vikings?

Answer: Cordell's future outlook with the Vikings is promising. He has shown potential in his limited opportunities and is expected to compete for a larger role on the team. His work ethic and coachability suggest that he has the ability to develop into a valuable contributor for the Vikings.

Summary: Ryan Cordell is a young and promising wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings. He has shown potential in his special teams play and as a receiver. With continued development and hard work, Cordell has the ability to become a valuable contributor to the Vikings' success.

Transition to the next article section: To learn more about Ryan Cordell's journey and his role with the Minnesota Vikings, continue reading the following sections of this article.

Conclusion

Ryan Cordell's journey with the Minnesota Vikings is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and potential. Despite going undrafted, he has earned a roster spot and made valuable contributions to the team, primarily on special teams. Cordell's athleticism, route running ability, and coachability suggest that he has the potential to develop into a more significant contributor on offense in the future.

As the Vikings look to improve their wide receiver corps, Cordell is a player to watch. His work ethic and determination are commendable, and he has shown flashes of his potential on the field. With continued development and opportunities, Cordell could become a key part of the Vikings' success in the years to come.