Among the qualities that appealed to the Vikings when they drafted wide receiver Stefon Diggs in the fifth round was his ability as a returner. The problem for the rookie, though, is that the Vikings already have a pair of returners they feel good about in Cordarrelle Patterson and Marcus Sherels.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer believes Patterson is "is the best kickoff returner in the league." As for Sherels, their reliable, oft-overlooked punt returner, Priefer said "somebody is going to have to come in and beat him out." And recent history suggests that doing so isn't going to be easy.

The Vikings bring back Jarius Wright and Adam Thielen, who can contribute as returners. They also signed DuJuan Harris, who earned Priefer's respect returning kickoffs for the rival Packers.

So yeah, the rookie has his work cut out to make an impact as a returner. But Priefer saw promise when he watched Diggs play at Maryland.

"Stefon can do both," he said. "He had a great freshman year at Maryland doing both, tailed off a little bit the next two years, but I think he's got a phenomenal skill set. He'll give some great competition at those spots."

As a freshman, Diggs, one of the nation's top recruits, averaged 10.0 yards per punt return with a long of 31 yards. He was even more dangerous on kickoffs, averaging 27.4 yards per return and taking two to the house.

During his final two years on campus, he was used sparingly as a punt returner. His kickoff return average dipped to 23.7, which was still solid.

"I've seen him on tape as a college player, but at this level it's a little bit different. For me, I think it's harder to be a punt returner in this league than a kickoff returner," Priefer said last week. "But I think he can do both."

Diggs will be behind Patterson and Sherels on the depth chart when the Vikings report to Mankato in July. But he will get a chance to make a climb.

"We're going to have competition like we do every year," Priefer said.