Vikings QB Options: Who They Should Trade For and Who They Should Draft
Well, here I go again. If my mock draft from last year proves anything it proves that the NFL draft is like trying to predict the Super Bowl winner for 2015. But I soldier on like a boxer who has been knocked down a few times and is suddenly having difficulty remembering his name and whereabouts.I venture in this opinion to offer my thoughts on the QB situation of the Minnesota Vikings.
One of the many questions Leslie Frazier and his Minnesota Vikings staff are asking is, "Who will be our QB next season?" It's almost as tantalizing as a Brett Favre sighting last summer; however, #4 is no more and it is time to move favreward, get it? As favre as I'm concerned the Vikings should favre a QB that has accuracy and mobility, and with that I ask. Should the Vikings try to trade for a young QB who has NFL experience and upside? Or, do they opt for a gap stop veteran and go all in on a 1st round draft pick?
Well, there is only one way to find out, click the forward arrow.
Offensvie Coordinator
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The first question at this point is whether Frazier retains the services of Darrell Bevell. Bevell has shown that he can be his own man, but there's no doubt he has to get more creative with the play calling and utilizing certain personnel packages. If Frazier decides to retain Bevell, then look for Minnesota to search for a veteran QB who can easily adapt to the West Coast offense while they groom Webb or draft a QB in the 1st or 2nd round. This may not make a lot of Minnesota fans happy, but we are who we are, and the personnel on offense seems to fit the West Coast style. So, as we consider the Vikings OC, let's go shopping.
#5: Donovan McNabb
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I know, I know, Donovan's name has been mentioned for a few years now as being a possible candidate to Minnesota, but here is why it could work. One, if Bevell stays he needs someone who is familiar with the West Coast offense and who better than McNabb at this point. He obviously feels disrespected in DC and rightly so; this would provide an energy boost for him and as everyone knows when you upset Donovan, he usually comes up Aces. And as crazy as this sounds, Donovan will only be 35 next November, and standing next to Brett, would be considered a youth movement. A one or two year deal as the Vikings groom Webb or a #1 draft choice.
#4: Carson Palmer
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Carson Palmer had a decent year in Cincinnati, but all that gets lost in the wake of the Bengals terrible season. Yes, 20 interceptions is high, but 26 TD's was 8th in the league and his completion percentage was 61.8%, and he threw for 3970 yards, 6th best in the NFL. Palmer is a proven veteran who would do well in the comfy confines of the Metrodome (should they get it fixed or play there next year), and if Cincinnati is looking to move in a different direction, Palmer could be a casualty of that change. This would have to be a trade and without a 3rd round pick (because of the Randy Moss trade), this would take a player swap and maybe a 4th round compensation. Palmer is 32 and would be a considerable upgrade from Jackson (should he stay) and Webb.
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#3: Kevin Kolb
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Four months ago this would not have been part of the dialog, but NFL season's can be brutal to a man's career, and for Kolb it was one of misfortune. Michael Vick is most likely going to land a lucrative contract and it is doubtful that Kolb would want to sit and wait more than he already has. Kolb is young and West Coast savvy, so he would not have a problem fitting in if Bevell remains OC. However, if the Vikings go in Kolb's direction it is unlikely they will pursue a QB high in the draft.
#2: Matt Hasselbeck
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Before you start shouting and booing, here are a couple of things to consider. One, Hasselbeck is a leader. He has playoff and Super Bowl experience. He has had a solid career, and only recently has he had his share of injuries, and yes that could carry over given he will be 36 next September, but as in business one must consider the risk/reward factor. Two, Hasselbeck is a gamer and still has juice left in the tank. This would be a stop-gap for the Vikings. If and when the Vikings draft their QB of the future, and if Hasselbeck can accept a Kerry Collins or Jon Kitna like role, then this could be more than a one year deal.
#1: Kyle Orton
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Orton is the Rodney Dangerfield of football. Honestly, if you are starting a franchise, Kyle Orton would be a pretty solid start. Prior to his late season injury, Orton was putting up impressive numbers and making a legitimate receiver out of Lloyd, who by the way is on his 4th team. If McDaniels becomes the new OC in Minnesota, Orton would most likely be McDaniels top choice. Orton will only be 29 next year and has improved as a QB every year. This would have to be a trade deal, but given that Orton was a 4th round draft choice, the Vikings might be able to replicate that in kind. And another oh by the way, Orton would not be considered the long term answer in Minnesota either, leaving Orton to say, "Boy I'll tall ya, I don't get any respect around here."
So now we have our veteran, it's time to turn our attention to the top 5 QB draft choices for the Vikings to consider.
Early Analysis: 2011 QB Draft Class
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This could be another interesting year for the QB position in the draft. There are some players who exploded on the scene and others who had sub-par years that could rebound once in the NFL. As with every year this is the most critical position to draft, and should a team miscalculate their choice it could set them back years. Last year my top 3 QB's were: Bradford, Clausen, and McCoy. I rounded it out with Lefevour and Tim Tebow. I still feel the Vikings missed a golden opportunity with last year's class, but hindsight is 20/20, so let's look at the likely top 12 from this year's crop and pull 5 that "could" be a potential Viking.
Luck is going back to Stanford so the consensus #1 pick is no more; therefore, scramble the top 5 teams drafting. Here is my list of top 12 in no particular order, but the fact that some of these are underclassmen they may stay in school: Ryan Mallett, Jake Locker, Pat Devlin, Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert, Cam Newton, Ricky Stanzi, Kellen Moore, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Nick Foles and TJ Yates.
Notables: Andy Dalton, Pat Devlin
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At first glance these two QB's are long shots to go earlier than the 2nd round, and perhaps so, but neither would have to come in and go right away. It's about the tools and upside when it comes to these two. Dalton has had an up and down career, but has shown flashes of excellence, and his Rose Bowl performance made scouts notice the elevation of his game. He's a Texas boy so we know he's tough. He can make the tough throw and has good accuracy. He is not fleet of foot, but will run when necessary.
Devlin is a gamer and a tough kid. His speed is not going to wow you, but his TD to INT ratio should, 22 TDs 2 INTs, not to mention a 68.3 completion percentage. He is 6'3, 222 pounds, so he has the height and weight of a NFL QB, and he led his Delaware team to a FCS Championship, so he knows how to win.
#5: Ryan Mallett
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Some of you might be saying, Mallett number five on your list, why? A couple of things; Mallet's mobility is an issue, his acumen is questionable and his ability (according to my SEC devoted wife) to bring a team back is dreadful. Yes, he has all the numbers, 6'6", 230 lbs., a rocket for an arm, good accuracy, etc, etc, etc; however, can he step it up in a league that mentally challenges QB's? That has been a question about him, not to mention some off field incidents. Also, some have said that he is one of those "entitled" type and can be a whiner. With that being said, the reason I have him here is most likely he will not be available when the Vikings draft #12. There are at least three teams ahead of the Vikings (Cardinals, 49ers, and Titans) that will take a serious look at addressing the QB position early on. My sense is that if he makes it to #12 and McDaniels is Minnesota's OC, this is a very likely landing place for the young Razorback.
#4: Cam Newton
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I am always leery of one year wonders, and Newton seems to be one of those, "came out of nowhere" guys, but there is no denying the young man's ability. In the Alabama game, much to the chagrin of my wife, he single handedly willed his team to victory, yet he showed obvious weaknesses in the BCS title game. So the question will be, "Is Newton for real, or is he the next Akili Smith?"
I am not sold on Newton; however with his size, speed, arm strength and leadership intangibles, he has at least gotten my attention.
#3: Christian Ponder
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Hang on, hang on, before you start sending me hate mail, just read me out. Ponder intrigues me because of the what ifs and could be's moreso than the what are's. He gets a little dinged so that is a concern, but I recall people questioning Bradford's ability to stay healthy and look at what he did as a rookie. Conversely, a rock solid college QB in Stafford has been unable to stay on the field for any length of time, so here is what I like about Ponder. He is smart, possesses all the throws, is mobile, and accurate. He graduated in 2 1/2 years and scored high on the Wunderlic test. Plus, I believe he is a real leader in the huddle and could be NFL ready in a year or two.
Ponder could be a real steal near the end of the first round, so if I am Minnesota and Leslie Frazier, I take a trade down to somewhere around 18-21, get my 3rd round back, and if there are no rumors floating around come pick time, trade down again to about 26 and then grab Ponder. Hey, it's not sure fire, but it is something to ponder.
#2: Blaine Gabbert
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This is a tough one. First of all, Gabbert is amazingly quick. His delivery is almost blinding. There's Cutler and Rodgers fast, and then there's Gabbert. He would make Jesse James jealous, no not the loser who fooled around on Sandra Bullock, I mean the gunslinger. However, on the down side Missouri runs a gimmicky spread offense, and that does not make for a good NFL QB, although we would have to consider if that style of offense is beginning to trickle its way up to the NFL. Also consider that Chase Daniels was the QB before Gabbert and at last check was learning from Brees. Yes, Gabbert is 6'4" and has a rocket arm, so that might make the difference and why I moved him up on my board.
Gabbert could be a make or break type QB, and this could depend greatly on the team that drafts him. He will need a very good QB coach. Again, I liken this pick to Ponder, drop, collect picks, then pick Gabbert, if he is available. According to most scouts though Gabbert goes within the top 10.
#1: Jake Locker
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People either love Jake Locker, or they think he is going to be a complete dud at the next level. I am not one to believe that Locker will fall on his face, and here is why.
The kid has had two head coaches in the last three years, and even though his numbers were down this year there is a positive. He stayed in school, got another year of play under his belt, and can learn from his mistakes. The system at Washington is NFL catered, and I just think there is too much upside for him to fail. Given his athleticism he will most likely go top 15, and since the Vikings sit at 12, they should highly consider this QB of the future.
Thor's Log 01132011
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I have observed that the draft is not a science, and that this is all guess work at best. None of us can claim to get inside the heart or the faith of any these young men and so all we can do is speculate.
So, as a final note, with Andrew Luck staying put, Newton or Mallett most likely become the de facto number one QB, and we might toss in Gabbert, but could this be one of those instances where a team settles for second best, ultimately getting burned in the end, or could this class surprise? Only time will tell, and the end results will be how teams that drafted them handled them. Let the speculating begin.
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