2014 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings Select QB Blake Bortles

Dec 7, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) runs for a touchdown against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. UCF Knights won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

All this competing is killing the Vikings’ draft position. Now they’re all the way down to #8. Probably out of the running for the big-time QBs like Teddy Manziel, Johnny Bridgewater and David Derek Carr.

Now what the heck are they going to do? Trade the pick? Punt on drafting a QB and go with Matt Cassel? Fold the franchise in frustration?

Or just take the next QB on the board. Who is?

8. – Minnesota Vikings – Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida

Bortles has been on the radar of many in the NFL Draft community since last year because of his size and strength.  This year, he has made some splashes in games, leading the Golden Knights to a win over Penn State and taking South Carolina to the wire in their only loss on the season.  Bortles will have another big opportunity to showcase his talents against Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl.  Bortles has a great deal of size and potential but has mechanics to work out and more developing to do.  Like the Browns, the Vikings are in a spot where they have all but told the world they are taking a quarterback, so while Bortles may not warrant the pick, they could go this route if they cannot move the pick.

Fun fact: the last time the Vikings drafted a Central Florida QB in the first round, his name was Daunte Culpepper, and he invented getting your roll on. What if Bortles wears #11 and chucks bombs to #84 Cordarrelle Patterson? Oh wow. Brain time machine.

Nice hat D.

Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings honor former quarterback Daunte Culpepper before the game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

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