Taylor Heinicke, QB
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, Heinicke made the final roster last year. So why would he be a surprise this year? I simply don’t anticipate that the Vikings will carry three quarterbacks again.
With a substantially more talented roster, the Vikings will be forced to cut some very good players this year. Rolling with only two quarterbacks would allow the team to keep an extra player at another position, however.
With a plethora of other exciting players at risk of being cut, carrying three quarterbacks is a luxury the Vikings simply can’t afford.
The question it comes down to is whether to keep Shaun Hill or Taylor Heinicke.
While Hill held the backup job last year and boasts significantly more experience than Heinicke, his age truly showed when thrust into action.
The 36-year-old looked out of place on the field, with neither the arm strength nor the movement skills to make plays.
In contrast, Heinicke has a fairly strong arm and an electrifying ability to make plays with his feet. While he might be more prone to mistakes than Hill, his skill set and upside provide an undeniable upgrade.
Should the Vikings decide to roll with only two quarterbacks, as I expect, they may very well give the nod to Heinicke’s potential over Hill’s experience.