The Minnesota Vikings are hoping for an improved 2021 season after missing the playoffs a year ago. With the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and the Bears possibly relying on a rookie quarterback, the Vikings could be in for a great year. The offense is electric, the defense is improved, and the NFC North is wide open (for now).

Minnesota's front office has done a great job building this roster, as they've acquired future replacements smartly. After trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson who immediately produced as a top pass-option. The Vikings have set themselves up for longevity, which bodes well for their success the next few years.

There are two prospects on the offense though that have the potential to make a huge impact down the road. Kirk Cousins is getting up their in age and the team can't bank on him continuing his consistency the next five years. Additionally, the roster lacks a solid third option in the wide receiver group. Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson have the position locked down, but the Vikings would benefit with a productive slot receiver. Both positions have nice prospects who could fill those rolls, but it may take a year or two to come to fruition. With that said, here are two hidden gems on the Vikings roster.

Kellen Mond

Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Kellen Mond comes into the Vikings as the immediate backup to Kirk Cousins. The former Aggie played four years at Texas A&M, where he threw for 9,661 yards and 71 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He's also good with his legs, as he ran for 1,609 yards and 22 touchdowns, making Mond a dual threat quarterback.

Mond needs time to develop before taking over as the starter though. Luckily for him, he's in a great position to learn behind Cousins for a couple of years, then possibly becoming the starter by 2023. Having a quarterback who can run the ball is becoming the new normal in the NFL. By the time Mond is ready, the Vikings offense should hopefully be tailored to his playing style.

If that's the case, then Kellen Mond could take the league by storm one day. Stay patient and pay attention to his development. Kellen Mond has all of the potential in the world.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Ihmir Smith-Marsette was taken in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't have many opportunities to flash his potential during his time at Iowa, but was a versatile weapon in their offense. The Hawkeyes used Smith-Marsette as a utility man, as he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. He gained over 100 rushing yards in 2019, and ended his college career with four rushing touchdowns.

A weapon like that won't go unnoticed in the Vikings roster. Minnesota typically gets the ball to the best players on the field, and if Smith-Marsette can show off that versatilty, he could make an impact sooner rather than later.

He'll likely start out as the Vikings' main option as a kick/punt returner, assuming he wins the job outright. Similar to Kellen Mond, Smith-Marsette needs some time to develop in the league. Special teams will be a great way to get him involved and comfortable at the professional level. However, with Minnesota's open competition for the slot reciever role, Smith-Marsette could force his way onto the field during his rookie year.