Nov 23, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
One analyst has a quarterback he think would be a good fit for the Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft, but it’s not one that’s expected to go in the first round.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Simms said in a recent video that he thought Zach Mettenberger out of LSU would be “a perfect fit in Minnesota.”
Simms, son of former New York Giants quarterback and current broadcaster Phil Simms, spent six seasons in the NFL as a quarterback after being drafted in the third round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Simms was also a coaching assistant with the New England Patriots in 2012.
Simms described Mettenberger as a pocket passer with great size and plenty of arm talent. Simms thinks that will appeal to offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
“One thing we know about Norv: he likes quarterbacks who stand in the pocket and throw the ball down the field,” Simms said.
As a senior last year, Mettenberger threw for 3082 yards and 22 touchdowns, while tossing eight interceptions. He also had an impressive yards per attempt mark of 10.41 and a passer rating of 171.4.
“Really played well last year as a senior at LSU,” Simms said. “Made all of the throws under an offensive coordinator from the NFL, Cam Cameron.”
Mettenberger’s draft stock was climbing before an ACL injury in his final regular season game caused it to drop back down. Mettenberger has not been able to work out for NFL teams yet at the Senior Bowl or combine, but reportedly plans to throw at LSU’s pro day on April 9.
When asked what round the Vikings could take Mettenberger in, Simms said: “Early third. He’s coming off ACL surgery, so I can’t see anybody taking him first or second rounds.”
With Matt Cassel re-signed in Minnesota, Simms suggested Mettenberger could essentially red-shirt his rookie year to get healthy and acclimated to the NFL, and then compete for the starting job his second season.
Before he gets drafted by any team, however, Mettenberger will have to answer some questions about his past. Mettenberger was originally a member of the Georgia football team but was removed for violating team rules. Mettenberger later plead guilty to two charges of sexual battery, stemming from an incident at a bar in Georgia.
Mettenberger will have to convince NFL executives that those actions are a thing of the past if he wants the Vikings, or any team, to call his name early in the draft.
So what do you think, Vikings fans? Can you see Mettenberger keeping the purple and gold color scheme or would you rather another team pick him in the draft? Sound off in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter @Goatman102!