A Poopload of Quarterback News: Craig Nall, Gus Frerotte, Matt Ryan

The Vikings are scrambling to find a solution to their back-up quarterback situation.  The two names being bandied about the most lately are Craig Nall and Gus Frerotte.

Nall, who was the third QB behind Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers with the Packers last year, has reportedly been talking to several teams, including the Vikings.  Brad Childress clearly likes Nall – he pursued the QB a couple of years ago but lost out to Buffalo.

Frerotte, of course, is someone Vikings fans are familiar with.  He stepped in for Daunte Culpepper for a couple of games in 2003, and had one brilliant effort against the 49ers, throwing for 4 touchdowns.  Ever since then, many Vikings fans have had a soft spot in their heart for old Gus.  Unfortunately, Gus now has even more miles on him than he did then.  Still, the Vikings are reportedly bringing him in for a visit, and I’m assuming this is not just to catch up.

The third QB item is the most intriguing, and it involves a player who is not yet in the NFL.  Reportedly, the Vikings were among numerous teams who went to Boston College’s Pro Day to have a look at Matt Ryan.  Not just some scouts either – VP of player personnel Rick Spielman was there, as was offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers.  Clearly, the Vikings wanted to take a good look at Ryan, who figures to go a lot higher in the draft than the 17th pick, which is the Vikings’ first.  Could a trade be in the works?  Could the Vikes be anticipating a Brady Quinn-like fall for Ryan?

Ryan reportedly looked good in his work-out, though almost everyone who watched it said he may have been forcing it a little.