After taking linebacker Anthony Barr with their first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings decided that they needed to get the franchise quarterback before the round ended with a trade to get the final pick of the round. Minnesota then took that pick to select Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. Many people considered Bridgewater to be the best prospect heading into the 2013 season but his stock dropped after a struggle in his pro day which allowed the Vikings to get him so late. It is the third straight year that the Vikings have traded up to get back into the first round.
Bridgewater was the second-best quarterback in this draft behind Blake Bortles in my opinion and getting him with the No. 32 pick works out perfectly for the Vikings. He can sit on the bench to begin the 2014 season and allow Matt Cassel to run the team just the way general manager Rick Spielman wants. Bridgewater can then learn the way he needs to at the pro level before being thrown to the wolves later in 2014 or to start the 2015 season.
It was a smart move and while it cost Minnesota their second-round pick and a fourth-round selection, it something the Vikings had to do. They have someone who can now take over the position in Bridgewater, who is 6-2 and has the ability to produce big plays. It should give some hope to Adrian Peterson along the way as well that the team is looking to get better. The time for Peterson is ticking down and if Bridgewater can come in to save the day, it all works out in the end. Here's Bridgewater in action from last season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEd9HiUUKkQ
The Vikings don’t have a second-round pick now for today’s second and third round selections but do have two choices in round 3 with the No. 72 and 96 overall selections. They could try to address some of their other needs with those picks including the cornerback position. At this point though, Vikings fans can’t be disappointed with what ended up happening on Thursday night. Barr could be a dominant linebacker for years to come and Bridgewater will have the opportunity to lead Minnesota for the next decade if everything works out.