With the 32nd Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Vikings Select: Teddy Bridgewater
- Updated: May 8, 2014
Seattle has opted out of their first round selection, trading their pick to Minnesota for their second round and fourth round pick.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, 6-2, 215, Louisville
Key stats: Threw for nearly 7,000 yards with 58 TDs and 12 interceptions the past two seasons.
Strengths: Productive and tough leader. … Does nice job stepping up in pocket and going through progressions. Has good footwork in pocket and really steps into throws. … Arm strength is good. … Has good mobility and uses it properly. … He moves to throw the ball and usually chooses to run during the right situations. … Throws with pretty good touch and has the instinct of when to use touch. … Gets ball out on time. … Takes care of the ball. … Has great intangibles and a will to win.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t possess ideal size for the position. … Has thin frame and has been beat up in college. … Doesn’t have smooth delivery. … Doesn’t throw consistent spirals. …Despite his high completion percentage, he struggles with accuracy. … Drops elbow and ball sails too often. … Better accuracy on inside throws. … Plenty of outside throws sailed or were wide of intended target. … Needs throwing lanes due to height and release.
Conclusion: Bridgewater is an inconsistent thrower, but is a strong leader that displays complete control of an offense. … Watching the tape this past week, he looks like a second- or third-rounder, just like most of the top quarterbacks in this class. … Best suited for a West Coast offense that gets ball out quickly. … However, what bothers me about the entire draft process is: Bridgewater was the No. 1 quarterback for many evaluators after the season. … After a dreadful pro day, he has dropped off the map. … So much for evaluators like Mike Mayock repeatedly saying during the combine that grades are heavily weighted toward on-field performance during the season. … The next time you hear anyone say that, you’ll know not to believe it. …They always cover it up by saying ‘I went back and watched more tape and I saw some inconsistencies.’ … Bull!
NFL comparison: Matt Barkley/Kirk Cousins.
Teddy Bridgewater has gone to Minnesota as anticipated. Bridgewater went later than projected.
Why It Works: Minnesota has had eyes for Bridgewater, and he was still on the board. They pulled the trigger and jumped ahead of Houston, ensuring they land the Louisville quarterback.
Draft Grade: A – A cunning trade and selection by Minnesota. Well played by the Vikings.
Related Posts
About Keith Fuchs
