Minnesota Vikings: Is Joe Webb The Quarterback Of The Future?

Now that the Brett Favre saga has come to an end, the Minnesota Vikings most glaring need going into this offseason is clearly at quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson has proved that he isn't ready to have the starting gig. And Patrick Ramsey is a waste of space. Near the end of the season, the Vikings gave the reins to a rookie out of UAB, Joe Webb.

He saw his first real action in limited snaps against the Giants in Week 14 and came in for Favre after his the vicious hit he took against the Bears in Week 15. Then, in his first career start in Week 16 on Monday Night Football at Philadelphia with the Eagles coming off their "Miracle at the New Meadowlands" win, Webb led the Vikings to a 24-14 win. He completed 65 percent of his passes and also had a rushing touchdown. He finished the season with two rushing touchdowns, no passing touchdowns and a 60 percent completion percentage while throwing three picks.

Now you're probably thinking I'm hyping him up to be the next Randall Cunningham. Webb has a dynamic skill set. But not fit for what Minnesota needs. At least not at the quarterback position.

I think the best thing the Vikings could do is keep Webb and use him in Wildcat situations. Another wrinkle in the playbook would make a potentially explosive offense (given that they re-sign Sidney Rice) even better.

If Minnesota could utilize Webb in the same way that Pittsburgh uses Antwaan Randle El, the temporary rebuilding mode won't last too long.

With a good group of franchise quarterbacks coming out for the draft this year, the future for the Vikings could be looking very bright for years to come.

Cam Newton from Auburn would be a great addition to the Vikings because of his speed and arm strength. He has pretty good accuracy in the short range game, but his deep ball accuracy is still in question. Not good news since some of Minnesota's best weapons are deep threats.

Blaine Gabbert from Missouri is considered the best QB in the draft right now. I strongly believe, however, that he will be long gone by the time the Vikings make their pick.

The best option for Minnesota is Ryan Mallett from Arkansas. He's got a rocket arm and can produce in all different kinds of offensive systems. The biggest knock on him is character issues. But the last time the Vikings drafted a very talented player with character issues, he became one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.

Joe Webb had a good run at the end of the season and I would still love him to stay on the team. Just not under center.