Vikings news: Mike Zimmer says Adam Thielen is talking a little more in practice

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer claims reliable wide receiver is talking more in practice as his leadership role expands.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen emerged onto the scene in the 2017 season as one of the league's rising stars with a breakout campaign. This has also elevated him to a more grander role with the Vikings beyond just his dependable production within the offense.

According to Sam Ekstrom of Zone Coverage, head coach Mike Zimmer has stated that Thielen has been more involved with the team showing more of his competitive side with his trash talking.

"He competes as hard as he’s always competed. He just talks a little more."

*Mike Zimmer on Adam Thielen, who is ready to thrive with his new quarterback and OC. https://t.co/2Q04Tm1MOb

— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) June 15, 2018

Thielen looks to be exuding more confidence in performance on the field that had received validation this past year as he was one of the league's most productive wide receivers. The 27-year-old put up a career-best campaign with 91 receptions for 1,276 receiving yards along with four touchdowns.

This saw him finish fifth in the league in receiving yards, eighth in catches and tied for fifth with 20 receptions for at least 20 yards. He was also tied for fourth with four 100-yard receiving performances and eighth with 59 catches that were converted for first downs.

He also became the first Vikings receiver since Sidney Rice back in the 2009 campaign to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Thielen also joined Rod Smith and Wes Welker as the only undrafted players in the common draft era since 1967 to notch at least 90 catches and 1,200 receiving yards in a season.

More importantly, it helped him earn the league-wide recognition as being one of the best route runners and big-play offensive talents at his position.

This increased level of confidence in his ability along with the addition of Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins could lead to yet another highly productive campaigns. Beyond that, it could see the Vikings make yet another deep playoff run where they may contend for the Super Bowl with Thielen being a major part of the puzzle.