Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has declared that has been impressed with wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson during the off-season.

The 24-year-old was criticised for his displays in the 2014 season as he played a limited role in the club's offense due to struggling with the complexity of the game.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman revealed that Patterson would have to improve to keep his place on the roster, and Zimmer feels that the wideout is on the right track to do so in the 2015 season.

"Cordarrelle is doing a good job in this off-season," Zimmer told reporters.

"He has been in better shape coming in, and he is doing a better job of running routes, of competing each and every down.

"I look forward to him coming on and I'm a big fan of his. We're just trying to get him to realize all the little intricacies you have to do offensively in the NFL in order to be a great player."

Patterson recorded 33 receptions for 384 yards and one touchdown in the 2014 season.