The Minnesota Vikings are a team in transition. 

As general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah himself acknowledged, the team is in a "competitive rebuild." With the seemingly inevitable release of Dalvin Cook, it's safe to say that development will be the biggest thing to look for in the 2023 season. 

While the Vikings lost a ton of talent this offseason, I would still not say that this is a bad roster. Some players could end up benefitting from the team not being as competitive, as they might not have gotten a shot otherwise. Today I want to identify three players that I believe will have breakout seasons in 2023. 

K.J. Osborn, WR

Osborn is in a prime position to explode in 2023. Adam Thielen is no longer in Minnesota, so the No. 2 receiver job is Osborn’s for the taking. Yes, the team drafted Jordan Addison in the first round, but Osborn should have time to shine before Addison is ready to be a starter. 

Osborn has improved in each of his three pro seasons. As a rookie, Osborn mostly played special teams and did not record a catch. In 2021, the former Miami Hurricane collected 50 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. That performance was followed up with 60 catches for 650 yards in 2022. 

Without Thielen, quarterback Kirk Cousins will need another security blanket. Osborn could turn into that and more. 

Lewis Cine, S

Cine had a disappointing rookie season, but it was completely not his fault. The former Georgia Bulldog suffered a compound fracture in Week 4 of the 2022 season which required multiple surgeries and ended his season. 

Now fully healthy, Cine is ready to prove he was worthy of his first-round draft status. Cine is currently behind Camryn Bynum on the depth chart, but Bynum didn't exactly light it up in 2022. If Cine plays like the Vikings think he can, he will be starting in no time. 

Reports out of OTAs have been very positive for Cine, and it's not impossible that he starts the season in a starting role. Cine has the talent to be a solid running mate for veteran Harrison Smith, but can he reach that level? I believe he can. I would not be surprised to see Cine eclipse 100 tackles in 2023. 

Alexander Mattison, RB

For the first time in his NFL career, Mattison is about to become a starter, and NOT because of an injury. With the latest Dalvin Cook reports, it’s increasingly likely that Mattison is the workhorse back in Minnesota for 2023. 

Mattison spent the first four seasons of his career as Cook's backup, but always flashed when given an opportunity. Mattison set a career-high in carries back in 2021, finishing the season with 134 carries for 491 yards and three TDs. It's safe to say that Mattison will blow past that amount of carries in 2023. 

Behind Mattison, the team has Ty Chandler, rookie DeWayne McBride, and Kene Nwangnu. While a possibility that the team adds a veteran with more experience, I am of the opinion that Mattison will force his way into the top role. Don't be surprised if the move from Cook to Mattison ends up being a wash. Mattison might even prove to be an upgrade if he can stay healthy. 

Featured image via © Kirby Lee | 2016 Sep 1