QB Jake Browning
The Vikings are clearly set at quarterback with Kirk Cousins. They also seemed married to having Sean Mannion be his backup, although he’s extremely underwhelming. There is a battle brewing for who could be the third option, as the Vikings drafted Nate Stanley to battle Jake Browning for what is likely going to be one spot on the practice squad.
The Vikings usually keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster. So the winner of this battle will be sent to the practice squad and only called up if there is an emergency. Browning had this position a season ago, and while he didn’t get many reps in the preseason, he does have some solid tools at his disposal.
Browning has a bit of that gunslinger mentality to him. He isn’t afraid to throw the ball into tight spaces and trusts his arm. He’s also very good at throwing on the run and was ultra-productive in his years at Washington. Browning does have a bit of an advantage over Stanley, has he’s been through an NFL preseason once before and will know what to expect on a day to day basis.
Stanley was a draft pick though and with his big arm, could overtake Browning even if he’s slightly outplayed in the preseason. If this happens Browing’s time with the Vikings could be over before he ever sees the field on a Sunday in the Fall.