The Minnesota Vikings are not expected to bring in Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles for another workout.
That is a somewhat surprising note with the NFL Draft just over two weeks away, and the Vikings thought by many to be in need of a quarterback.
Pioneer Press writer Chris Tomasson says the Vikings apparently got enough out of meeting with Bortles and watching him throw at the combine and during his pro day to know how they feel about him.
Source says Vikings not expected to have Blake Bortles visit Minnesota or schedule private workoutGot plenty watching/meeting him at Pro Day
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 22, 2014
It doesn’t mean the Vikings aren’t interested in Bortles, in fact it could be quite the opposite.
Pro Football Talk reports that by making sure the world knows he won’t be coming to Minnesota before the Vikings use their eighth overall pick the Vikings won’t have to reveal their hand.
How interested are the Vikings in a quarterback in the first round?
That might be tougher to answer, some draft experts have the quarterbacks dropping deeper into the draft.
A few weeks ago, the Vikings weren’t sure one of the top quarterbacks would be available with the eighth overall pick, but now it looks like they may have their pick of Johnny Manziel, Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater or even Derek Carr.
According to Rant Sports, it’s a sign the Vikings know Bortles isn’t their guy. The report says the Vikings could be looking at taking a flyer on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberg later in the draft.
Tomasson sat down on Tuesday with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio to discuss the Vikings draft options with the pick. He doesn’t think the Vikings will take a quarterback with the eighth pick.
As Tomasson points out, the Vikings do have a number of needs, whether it be a cornerback or a linebacker the team has a lot to fix on the defensive side.
The Vikings defense gave up an average of 397 yards a game last year, and were 31st in the NFL against the pass.
The NFL Draft is May 8.
