Josh Freeman, considered by many the third best quarterback prospect in this year's draft, is one of the most difficult players to predict where he will be drafted. Many mocks have him going as high as No. 17 to the Jets, and completely falling out of the first round.
In my opinion, Freeman should be considered as a candidate to be selected by the Vikings with their No. 22 pick overall, assuming he is not taken in the previous picks.
First let's bring up the measures: 6'6", 250 pounds, 10" hand size
The two comparable quarterbacks that I think of when I see these measurements are Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper. Vikings Coach Brad Childress idolizes McNabb and was his former offensive coordinator in Philadelphia.
Culpepper had some MVP-caliber seasons in Minnesota, but some believe that this was a product of having Randy Moss as his star receiver.
As we know, size doesn't automatically make you a good player, but it certainly helps to be a big sized, mobile quarterback especially in the game today with quick, strong linebackers and ends.
Second, the stats Freeman put up at Kansas State were spectacular. In 2008, he had 20 TD passes compared to only 8 INT. His efficiency rating of 136.48 was very good considering he didn't have much talent around him, unlike Stafford and Sanchez. Freeman improved statistically each year and became more accurate of a thrower.
Last, Freeman has great arm strength. "There has been many plays where you just open your mouth and say wow!" football analyst Tim Hasselbeck explains. Freeman has a cannon for an arm, and many scouts believe that he has just as good of an arm, if not better than Stafford's.
Freeman would fit nicely in Minnesota where he would just have to 'manage' the game offensively, and would not be forced into great leadership responsibility. Childress needs to solidify the quarterback position, and I believe Freeman is the answer.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Minnesota Vikings articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
5 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete