Vikings Combine Preview: Quarterbacks

The first big event of the NFL offseason kicked off today, as league officials from all 32 teams and hundreds of draft prospects have all converged in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Prospects will be measured and weighed, get medical evaluations, go through different drills, and perhaps most importantly, be interviewed by NFL coaches and front office leaders.


For the Vikings, this will be an important opportunity to get a first in-person look at many prospects they are considering, perhaps most importantly at quarterback. Quarterback is the Vikings biggest need coming into this offseason, as only failed starter Christian Ponder is left on the roster. While Vikings General Manager Rick Speilman indicated the team would look to sign a veteran quarterback in free agency, he also said the team would likely add a passer through the draft.

With the Vikings about to get up close with the 2014 quarterback draft class, here's a look at my current quarterback big board for the Vikings. Note that this is not a ranking of the best quarterbacks in the draft, it is a ranking of quarterbacks specifically for the Vikings. Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner has a very well respected offensive system, but some quarterbacks may fit that offense better than others.

For each quarterback, there will be a short description, the key aspect of the combine for them, and finally where they are projected to be drafted in May.

1. Blake Bortles, UCF (Jr.)
The skinny:
Big, athletic quarterback who led the Knights to their first BCS win in school history. Known for his poise in clutch situations, leading multiple fourth quarter comebacks throughout his career. Very raw as a passer, but has an extremely high ceiling if his mechanics are refined and he becomes a better student of the game. Could turn into next Ben Roethlisberger but could also turn into Jack Locker, so boom or bust.
Key at the Combine: Throwing drills
Throwing?: Yes
Draft Projection: First Round

2. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville (Jr.)
The skinny:
Extremely intelligent pro-style passer who is the considered the top quarterback in the draft by many. Polished and pro-ready in all aspects of his game, but does not have any one dominant physical characteristic. Deep accuracy questions prevent him from being on top of the Vikings board, and questions about his build may move him down others. Very frequently compared to Aaron Rodgers as a prospect.
Key at the Combine: Weigh-in and measurements
Throwing?: Undecided, seems to be leaning towards yes
Draft Projection: Top 10

3. Zach Mettenberger, LSU (Sr.)
The skinny:
Big, strong-armed quarterback who showed huge improvements under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Highly productive in a pro style system very similar to Norv Turner and has plenty of upside if a team is patient. Biggest questions come from his exit from Georgia earlier in his college career, and an ACL injury that could hurt his already limited mobility. Seems a lot like Carson Palmer but could also be Philip Rivers.
Key at the Combine: Medical evaluation and interview
Throwing?: No (due to injury)
Draft Projection: Second-Third Round

4. Derek Carr, Fresno State (Sr.)
The skinny:
Younger brother of former No. 1 overall pick David Carr. Has best arm talent in this draft class, throwing the ball 70 yards in the air easy on video. Highly motivated and mature player who seems to carry sterling intangibles. Questions about his game arise from lack of experience in a pro style system and minimal poise in the pocket. Could end up being similar to Jay Cutler, but right now that's a very favorable comparison.
Key at the Combine: Interview
Throwing?: No
Draft Projection: First-Second Round

5. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (So.)
The skinny:
Most polarizing prospect in this draft class, re-wrote the record books of college football while also creating many off-the-field headlines. Uniquely athletic and one of the most competitive athletes out there, but his small size and propensity to scramble could lead to durability issues. Lower on the Vikings board because he is unlikely to mesh with the more traditional Norv Turner. Mix of Doug Flutie and Fran Tarkenton.
Key at the Combine: Interview and measurements
Throwing?: No
Draft Projection: Top 10

6. AJ McCarron, Alabama (Sr.)
The skinny:
Two time national champion as a starter in a pro-style offense thanks to sharp decision making and ability to avoid negative plays. Was surrounded by outstanding talent in college, which could have masked deficiencies such as poise in the pocket. Not asked to air it out frequently, so the full extent of his arm talent is relatively under wraps. Very high floor but somewhat limited upside. Could soon be another Andy Dalton.
Key at the Combine: Throwing drills
Throwing?: Yes
Draft Projection: Third-Fourth Round

7. Jimmy Garapollo, Eastern Illinois University (Sr.)
The skinny:
Small-school quarterback (EIU does have one notable alumni, though: Tony Romo) who is seen as a quarterback sleeper thanks to excellent mechanics and great production. Solid prospect, but lack of competition throughout college career makes him difficult to project to NFL. Arm is solid, but not a perfect fit for a Turner offense. Pro comparison is often...a younger Tony Romo! Ironic? Yes. Lazy? Probably...
Key at the Combine: Throwing drills
Throwing?: Yes
Draft Projection: Second-Third Round

8. Tajh Boyd, Clemson (Sr.)
The skinny:
Highly productive athletic but short passer who was considered a top prospect early but stock seems to be in free fall after bad Senior Bowl. Has lots of physical ability, but does not seem able to make good decisions on the field and had accuracy issues covered up by top talent at the receiver position. Needs a lot of polish but still has upside. Short height could concern teams. Saw comparisons to Troy Smith. Who? Exactly.
Key at the Combine: Measurements and interview
Throwing?: Yes
Draft Projection: Fourth-Fifth Round

9. Aaron Murray, Georgia (Sr.)
The skinny:
Holds many career passing records in SEC, the best conference in college football, after four years leading his team in a pro-style system. Small height will be a concern for many teams, especially since his passes seem to get batted down more often than expected. Has below average arm talent, and ACL tear will prevent him from making scouts think differently before draft. Career arc could be similar to Case Keenum.
Key at the Combine: Medical evaluation and measurements
Throwing?: No (due to injury)
Draft Projection: Fourth-Fifth Round

10. David Fales, San Jose State (Sr.)
The skinny:
Accurate, intelligent passer who played in the same conference as Derek Carr. Lack of arm talent limits NFL upside, and will likely need to play in a West Coast system in order to maximize his talent. Thus, a bad fit for the Vikings and Norv Turner's vertical offense. Likely a long term NFL backup but not likely to experience much success as a starter. Two Matts, Flynn and Barkely, seem to be good comparisons.
Key at the Combine: Throwing drills
Throwing?: Yes
Draft Projection: Third-Fourth Round

And that wraps it up for my top ten quarterbacks for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 draft before the combine! Obviously, there is plenty of workouts and buzz still to come for each of these prospects, and we'll be sure to talk about it when that stuff comes up! Until then, stay tuned as we take a look at free agency for the Vikings and rank draft prospects at every other position group!