2014 NFL Draft Notes: Teddy Bridgewater, Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger
Teddy Bridgewater speaks to the media. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Network’s Mike Mayock is holding a conference call today a week before the draft, and he’s given us several interesting nuggets to chew on. His conference call has recently touched on the subject of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, and what makes this year’s draft so unpredictable is the depth and uncertainty at the QB position.
Mayock recently made comments against Bridgewater, and he did the same today. At this point, Mayock said he would be surprised to see Bridgewater selected in the first round, while I honestly hope Bridgewater is the first QB off the board. I’ve always viewed him as the top player at the position due to his polish, accuracy poise, ability to throw while running, decision-making, ability to read through progressions, and solid physical tools.
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He added that he thinks Georgia Bulldogs product Aaron Murray will likely end up being selected in the third round, and I think that’s an appropriate round for the season college veteran. Murray has all the mental tools to be successful in the NFL, and I don’t think he’s as bad under the pass rush as some think. His arm strength isn’t close to being great, but it’s about average and won’t hinder him in the NFL. Murray is also pretty athletic, and he’s always been my favorite second-tier quarterback, along with San Jose State’s David Fales. On paper, the St. Louis Rams look like a good match for Murray.
Zach Mettenberger, on the other hand, is an SEC quarterback I’m not high on, but Mayock stated that he would be “very surprised” if the strong-armed QB didn’t end up in the second round. The Minnesota Vikings look poised to land Bridgewater, but they could end up taking Mettenberger due to their reported interest in him. When I watch Mettenberger on tape, I see a guy worth developing due to his arm strength, but he has major flaws as a decision-maker, especially when it comes to locating roaming safeties.