Teams used to like to bring rookie quarterbacks along slowly. Even now, the Jaguars have stated flat out they want Blake Bortles to sit and learn as a rookie. But more often than not, first-round quarterbacks are starting right away, and that's how things are looking with Teddy Bridgewater.
The Vikings say their first-round passer will take first-team reps on Day 1 at offseason training activities. It sure sounds like he'll have a great shot to start over Matt Cassel and (obviously) Christian Ponder as a rookie.
"Teddy's been great," Mike Zimmer said. "He's had a good command of the offense. I like his leadership. I like his determination. He's throwing the ball well. He's got good, quick feet. I think he's a good athlete. So he's progressing at a good pace."
Zimmer was in Cincinnati when the Bengals had some success starting Andy Dalton as a rookie. And look at the nine first-round quarterbacks drafted over the last three seasons: EJ Manuel, Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Christian Ponder. Seven of those guys started from the get-go, and Ponder took over midseason. For good or ill, teams aren't waiting too long to get those guys on the field.
We'll see if the Browns, with Johnny Manziel, and Jaguars with Bortles, are able to resist the urge to get those guys in the lineup quickly. It definitely won't be surprising if the Vikings put Bridgewater behind center from Day 1.
--Andy Richardson