I always try to remember that I am not a football player.  Certainly not a coach or a scout. Just a fan. What I see on TV in no way allows me to truly evaluate a QB. But I do read.  And many have written on the subject.  So lets figure out what we are looking for and then try to apply it to the QBs that are out there for the vikings to pick up.

Jump ahead:

Who was brilliant at scouting talent?  Bill Walsh.  Its been written so many times about his ability to spot talent that today it is just taken as fact.  So lets see how he would evaluate a QB.

1st-  quarterback candidate has to show an ability to throw the ball to the intended receiver.

2nd- he must be courageous and intensely competitive.  This will be a foundation for becoming a leader.

3rd- Good passing has to do with accuracy, timing, and throwing a ball with touch so it is catchable.

     Arm strength, inventory of passes thrown, touch, and quick delivery all make a good passer.

4th- Ability to read defenses in a calm poised manner.  This must be learned by all prospects.

5th-  The single most trait that separates great from good is " the ability to make the great, spontaneous decision, especially at a crucial time.

 OK. That's a lot of stuff. Somehow it helps putting this in perspective rather than just reading a scouting report.

BTW, the link allows you to go to all the other positions Bill Walsh evaluated.  Its an interesting series of articles.

Back to the QBs. Which Qbs have shown the ability to make great decisions with the games on the line?

I remember Vince Young winning the NCG with 30 seconds or so remaining. I believe he won an NFL game with time expiring.  I remember Cam Newton bringing his team back from an unbelievable deficit vs. Alabama. And the NCG was a drive to win the game. Dalton? He just kept doing what it takes to win. Locker? I'm not familiar with his ability to win when the chips are down.  Like Jay Cutler he took a bad team to a bowl game.  But I worry about his completion %.  Like Walsh says.  Passing is getting the ball into your receivers hands. I like the way Locker handles himself.  But is he the type that can win ball games in the clutch?

I also remember Mallet flaming out in the 4th quarter of two big games when the pressure was on. Pat Devlin forgot to show up in his final bowl game. The Gabbert kid? He has been a QB for two seasons.  Good stats.  But has he shown that ability to win when the chips were down?  I don't know.  Hopefully, someone can fill me in.  Kyle Orton? I have simply watched him not win to many winnable games to be a believer.  He is a good solid passing QB.  But he is not that courageous leader Bill Walsh was  looking for.

There you have a preliminary look at some of the requirements of a QBOF. Does anyone have observations of seeing these guys play that fit any or all of Bill Walsh's requirements?  With the senior bowl and combine coming up hopefully we can see a little of their physical traits.  But after reading this article it shows why the interview process is so important. Can you learn to read defenses?  What are you made of inside? You will only know how those interviews went on draft day.