Vikings Rumors: Mike Zimmer hinting Bridgewater to start

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

After being selected 32nd overall in Thursday’s draft, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has fully invested himself in his new team, the Minnesota Vikings. According to NFL.com writer Chris Wesseling, the Vikings have appeared to have made the same investment in Bridgewater. Wesseling writes:

"“”Teddy will play when we feel like he’s ready, if he’s the best guy, which we hope that he will be,” coach Mike Zimmer said, via The Star Tribune. “We always want to have competition.”"

There is no guarantee Bridgewater will be ready for the start of 2014. However, coach Mike Zimmer is more optimistic about the idea of his rookie quarterback starting than that of other teams. Wesseling also touched on Jaguars rookie Blake Bortles, and Jacksonville’s apparent decision to let the rookie learn behind veteran Chad Henne.

"“Conceding that No. 3 overall pick Blake Bortles has “some development to do,” the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to ease their rookie quarterback in behind Chad Henne this season.”"

Minnesota signed veteran Matt Cassel to a two-year, $10 million contract this offseason. After opting not to pick up quarterback Christian Ponder’s fifth-year option, it seems inevitable that the competition lies between Cassel and Bridgewater.

Coach Mike Zimmer heavily supports competition between his players. With this philosophy, it will be Matt Cassel’s job to lose, and Bridgewater’s job to show why he was worth Minnesota trading back into round one to select him. With the guidance of Norv Turner, I expect big things from the rookie much sooner rather than later.