The Vikings have spent a lot of time evaluating the quarterbacks in May’s NFL Draft.
After several different pro days and many individual workouts it’s nearly a foregone conclusion that Minnesota will select a quarterback at some point during the early rounds of the NFL Draft.
But exactly how they plan to address the position remains a mystery.
The Vikings don’t appear to be bringing in Johnny Manziel for any further private workouts.
According to the Pioneer Press, a source said the Vikings have already had a private workout with Manziel. The date and location of that private workout has not been revealed.
The Pioneer Press said Manziel is said to have performed well in the workout. Despite comments from Vikings coach Mike Zimmer about flags that have arisen regarding Manziel’s off-the-field exploits, it’s no secret among those in the NFL the Vikings are intrigued by the former Texas A&M star.
But the Vikings also this week took a long look at Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
#Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater visited #Vikings yesterday and is still there today. Worked out for them Saturday. An extended look at him
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2014
With the eighth pick in the draft the Vikings will likely have to wait for the first few picks to play out before they know what their options will be.
But by spending extra time with Bridgewater the Vikings will have had a good look at the Louisville quarterback so they can make an educated choice on whether or not he will be able to help them.
The only real top quarterback the Vikings haven’t had a lot of time with is Blake Bortles. They didn’t bring the Central Florida signal caller in for a private workout, still Walter Football senior draft analyst, Charlie Campbell, has the Vikings trading up to the third pick in the draft to select him.
Bortles has been Minnesota’s quarterback of choice this entire time, as he fits exactly what Norv Turner looks for in a signal-caller. Unfortunately, the Vikings are currently out of position to take him, as Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Oakland and Tampa Bay could all snag the Central Florida product. Two second-round selections (2014, 2015) to move from No. 8 to No. 3 would do the trick.
The Vikings have also expressed interes in LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger, worked out Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr. They even brought in Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning on Wednesday.
Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning visited Ravens today, to visit Vikings on Wednesday, Packers on Thursday: http://t.co/Ecn7BB7TaA
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 15, 2014
ESPN reports the Vikings only had a scout attend the pro day of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray. Typically, the team has been sending Zimmer, offensive coordinator Norv Turner and general manager Rick Spielman to meet with quarterbacks after their pro days.
Minnesota could still schedule a private workout with Murray between now and the draft.
Whether this is an exhaustive search for the next Vikings quarterback, or a well-orchestrated Spielman smoke screen remains to be seen.
The NFL Draft begins May 8.
