For QBs, Norv Turner Values Upside Over Pro-Readiness

Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterback Blake Bortles (FL), Stephen Morris (L), Tajh Boyd (R), and Teddy Bridgewater (FR) talk during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Interesting remark from offensive coordinator Norv Turner in this video interview posted by the Star Tribune.

Turner talks at length about the quarterback evaluation process, an arduous task that sent him, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman criss-crossing around the nation like characters in a wacky old-school chase comedy.

In what we are fast learning is typical Norv fashion, he plays it pretty close to the vest when it comes to specifics. But Norv does say one useful thing about his overall philosophy.

He says that when it comes to quarterbacks, he values future projection over the potential for immediate impact.

“The #1 thing that I look at in an evaluation is where they can be in 2 or three years,” Norv explains. “There are a lot of guys in college who are polished and who’ve been extremely well coached and they’re ready to go, and you may not see a big upside.

“What you’re looking for to me is guys who in 2 or 3 years can be a Pro Bowl caliber player.”

At least on the surface, this would seem to be great news for Viking fans who like the high-upside, not-as-polished QBs like Blake Bortles, Tom Savage or Tajh Boyd.

And maybe bad news for fans of the “pro-ready” QBs like AJ McCarron, Teddy Bridgewater and Aaron Murray.

But I would caution against reading too much into Norv’s remarks. Turner’s recommendations to Rick Spielman are only recommendations. In the end, it’s Rick making the call.

And Rick’s agenda may not entirely align with Norv’s desire for a QB he can develop over the long-haul.

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