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Framework in place for a successful future for Vikings

Mike Zimmer took over as the Minnesota Vikings' head coach following a stretch from 2010-13 that was arguably the franchise's worst four-year run in more than 40 years.

The Vikings had three losing seasons in the four campaigns (24-39 overall) before Zimmer took over in 2014, a string of losses that had not occurred since 1967.

The Vikings' 2016 NFC North title indicates Zimmer has turned the franchise around, so much so that the club recently ranked eighth in ESPN's NFL Future Power Rankings (FPR).

As impressive as that FPR mark is, there is a case to be made that Minnesota's future is so bright that it should have landed a top-five FPR mark. Let's take a look:

Teddy Bridgewater can be a franchise quarterback

One of the big keys to increasing the Vikings' long-term value is Bridgewater's continued development.