Teddy Bridgewater was one of the most debated prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft class.
The Louisville quarterback's disappointing pro day performance gave NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock an existential crisis, as concerns surfaced about Bridgewater's hand size and ability to drive the ball deep.
After a full offseason in the Minnesota Vikings' offense, though, coordinator Norv Turner has been raving about his first-round pick's "outstanding" deep ball.
"One of the things that has been the most impressive to me is, I knew he'd be very accurate, I knew he'd make great decisions, quick decisions," Turner said last week, via Fox Sports North, "but he's been outstanding throwing the ball deep, which some people thought that was going to be an issue.
"I think in the six or eight weeks we've had him on the field, I think he's been put in a position where he's had to make most of the throws he would have to make and I think he can make all the throws he needs to make."
Bridgewater received high marks for his college game tape, accuracy, ability to read coverages and football IQ. It's a great sign for his future that one of the NFL's most respected quarterback gurus believes his arm strength is not an issue.
The Vikings' quarterback situation has been a difficult one to read.
Three of the big-hitters covering the beat have come out strongly in support of Matt Cassel entering the season as the starter. Gregg Rosenthal, on the other hand, predicted on last week's episode of the Around The League Podcast that Bridgewater's impressive offseason will give the rookie the advantage.
One major factor working in Bridgewater's favor: coach Mike Zimmer is "not afraid" to play a greenhorn quarterback.
In the latest episode of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys discuss Rob Gronkowski's expected return to action and Cordarrelle Patterson's potential rise this season.
