If there's a question that new Minnesota Vikings' head coach Leslie Frazier is tired of getting asked, it would likely be about what the Vikings are going to do at quarterback in 2011 and beyond. Heck, I'm not even the head coach, but I'm tired of asking the question, let alone having to respond to it. But it sounds as though the Vikings are at least making some advances towards answering that question.
According to ESPN 1500, the Vikings have scheduled visits and/or workouts with five different members of the quarterback class of 2011. Those players are TCU's Andy Dalton, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, Washington's Jake Locker, Arkansas' Ryan Mallett, and Auburn's Cam Newton.
When asked about why he hadn't attended a couple of the Pro Days that various quarterbacks had been featured at, he gave an answer that made plenty of sense.
Frazier said there's "no real rhyme or reason" to who attends which pro day workout between him, Spielman, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson and various scouts. The extra one-on-one time afforded in private visits probably holds more value at the most important position than any other.
"Good athletes at quarterbacks don't always become franchise quarterbacks," Frazier said. "For us, we're looking and hoping to find a franchise quarterback. For us, that's what we're looking to find. So, my time with him is as important or more important than what we see on tape."
Out of all of the quarterbacks that the Vikings have either worked out or set up visits with, there's one in particular that I'm looking for, and anyone that's been paying attention probably know who that is. But Frazier is exactly right. . .you can sit down and watch video of a guy and watch him throw under favorable conditions at his Pro Day, but that really doesn't tell you a whole heck of a lot.
I have no doubt that Frazier will sit down (or has already sat down) with all of those quarterbacks, and will get the guy that will be the best fit for the Vikings now and in the future. The combination of Frazier and whatever quarterback he drafts will likely be bringing the Vikings that elusive Super Bowl championship sooner rather than later. . .I just wish draft day would come around so we can find out exactly which quarterback is going to do that for this franchise.