Mar 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer speaks to reporters at the NFL Annual Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Rumors have begun to spread that some teams in the NFL draft may choose to solve their quarterback problems later. Which of the top contenders can afford to make that choice?
Houston Texans
This comes down to how much the Houston Texans can trust Bill O’Brien. He’s a very accomplished offensive coach with a history for elevating quarterbacks. The team does have the very first pick of the second round so they stand a good chance of landing a decent talent. Besides, getting a player like Jadeveon Clowney doesn’t come along often.
Waiting Probability: 60%
Jacksonville Jaguars
Free agency has solved a lot of lingering issues for the Jacksonville Jaguars from a roster standpoint. Their defense got a nice influx of talent and veteran leadership. They also re-signed Chad Henne who played sufficiently enough last season from a game managing standpoint. These maneuvers might afford the Jags a chance to land another quality talent, offensively or defensively before going after that young arm.
Waiting Probability: 35%
Cleveland Browns
This is really a unique situation. The Cleveland Browns have yet another new head coach and GM with a completely new plan in place. Fans seem content for the team to ride 2013 Cinderella story Brian Hoyer who won three games for them before tearing his ACL. That however happened under the guidance of former coach Rob Chudzinski. Even so, the Browns have the luxury of two first round picks and an early second. They could easily pass on taking one at #4 and even #26, get two solid talents for their sparse offense and add the best quarterback available early in the second.
Waiting Probability: 80%
Minnesota Vikings
Fans are rather split on the situation regarding the Minnesota Vikings. Like Cleveland they feel the presence of veteran Matt Cassel affords them the excuse to wait until later in the NFL draft to address the problem. At the same time the team doesn’t pick again until the 8th slot of the second round. By that point the top talents on the board coach all be gone. Throw in the fact that Adrian Peterson can’t be expected to carry the load forever and the urgency is clearly felt to solve this quarterback problem first before anything else.
Waiting Probability: 25%
Tennessee Titans
Unlike the other top NFL draft competitors for the quarterbacks, the Tennessee Titans are a real mystery. Objective views say they need help at the position but some continue to wonder whether new coach Ken Whisenhunt is willing to stick it out with 2011 first round pick Jake Locker. His physical abilities are considerable and he turns 26 in June. Whisenhunt has had lots of success developing quarterbacks in the past and Locker was just starting to play well last season before getting hurt. Still, Tennessee picks later in the second round and does not have a third rounder. Is patience their best approach?
Waiting Probability: 75%