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3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Vikings' season

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Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.

Dalvin Cook

Latavius Murray may get the first crack at replacing Adrian Peterson in the Vikings' backfield, but before long expect Cook to make his presence felt. Minnesota didn't use the 41st overall pick on the running back just to have him sit as a passenger on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Cook should provide the Vikings with the rushing and receiving threat necessary to expand their offense - something they sorely lacked last season - as he's a home-run threat every time he touches the ball

Whether Cook can replicate his college success at the pro level will determine how large an impact he'll have on Minnesota's 2017 season.

Riley Reiff

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

The Vikings' offensive line was a sieve in 2016, allowing 38 quarterback sacks. Left tackle was a particular sore spot, as T.J. Clemmings allowed 8.5 sacks in 14 starts and Matt Kalil gave up another 1.5 in two.

Enter Reiff. The Vikings signed the free-agent tackle to a five-year, $58.75-million deal - a sign of just how desperate Minnesota was for immediate improvement at the position.

The Vikings also added right tackle Mike Remmers via free agency, but protecting the blindside of Sam Bradford - and Teddy Bridgewater if he's able to play in 2017 - is of the utmost importance.

Laquon Treadwell

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Stefon Diggs established himself as a No. 1 receiver in 2016, while Adam Thielen emerged as a viable complementary piece. Treadwell, however, had a nightmare rookie season, recording just one catch all year.

The Vikings know they need more production from their wideouts and are banking on a low-risk, high-reward outcome from their signing of Michael Floyd. However, with Floyd facing a potential suspension to begin the year, Treadwell could get an opportunity.

The 22-year-old was a first-round draft pick last year because he has the size and skill to be an impactful NFL receiver. He's also overcome disappointment before, returning from a devastating leg injury in his sophomore year at college to finish the following season as a finalist for the top receiver in the country.

If Treadwell can find his footing in the NFL, the Vikings will be better for it.

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