2016 Minnesota Vikings positional evaluation: Quarterbacks
By Adam Carlson
Sam Bradford
When Teddy Bridgewater went down with his knee injury, Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman made the bold move of sending draft picks (including the team’s first round pick in 2017) to the Philadelphia Eagles to get Sam Bradford.
At the time, that move was both criticized and praised. A first round pick is a lot to give up, but the Vikings were able to get a solid quarterback to lead the way during the season and not throw in the towel in the year due to one single injury.
Bradford impressed the most in his timing and accuracy. His broke the NFL record for completion percentage in a season and added a deep ball component to the Minnesota offense that had been lacking under Bridgewater.
However, Bradford struggled to convert third downs and didn’t show the kind of mobility to avoid pressure that was needed considering the state of the offensive line. Yet, the quarterback stood in there and made throws, helping to solidify Stefon Diggs as well as turn Adam Thielen into a fantasy football player to watch.
Completing 71.6% of his passes for 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions is enough to make him the default starter for the 2017 season.