Will Percy Harvin Slow Down Adrian Peterson?

The Vikings undoubtedly added a weapon this off season by selecting Florida Gator wideout Percy Harvin with the 22nd pick in this year's draft. 

While the the question of exactly whom will be tossing the leather to Harvin still remains in question for the Purple, perhaps a more poignant inquiry over the course of the season might be, "What (if anything) will Harvin's presence mean to the Vikings top threat, Adrian Peterson?"

The answer, of course, remains without definition at this spring juncture, although early word of out Viking OTA's is that the now-healthy Harvin has arrived as advertised: fast and athletic.

And in ruminating over the titular inquiry herein, the smart money suggests Harvin's presence will indeed behoove A.P.

Peterson led the league in rushing last season with nearly 1,800 yards. He carried the rock more than 360 times to accrue that yardage. Further review of A.P.'s 2008 campaign finds he had 20-plus rushes in all but five games, and at least 17 rushes in every game, playoffs included. 

The presence of another passing option for the Purple could save A.P.'s rugged (albeit upright) frame a few knocks over the course of the season. It might also improve a Viking passing game that ranked a sad 25th in passing yards last season and charted a woeful 39 percent in third-down conversions—ranking 19th in the NFL.

Harvin might be diminutive in NFL size at under 6'0", however his 19 bench presses of 225 lbs. at the combine suggest his body is prepped for pro contact. 

Let's just hope his hands (and his head) are soon ready for pro sharing.