Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater choked during a particular portion of his pro day workout last year. This was something that may have caused him to slip to the 32nd overall pick in last year’s draft.
The exact drill where Bridgewater struggled was when he was to throw a pass over raised brooms which were supposed to simulate an oncoming pass rush. Bridgewater’s fail in this task led to criticism that Vikings’ offensive coordinator Norv Turner decided to address recently (via ESPN).
Someone should take those brooms and shove them up someone’s backside.
Now that’s a bit harsh.
However, Turner’s support of his young quarterback makes sense. Turner suggested that 10 years down the road, Bridgewater could actually look back at his “failed drill” and laugh.
Obviously, Turner is happy with Bridgewater and the progress the young quarterback made over the course of his rookie campaign. Teams that might want to hide from Turner and the brooms are the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans, both of whom utilized first-round picks on players who made little impact as rookies.
The message here seems to suggest that management and coaches should be less focused on a few flaws exposed in generic drills—pro days and the combine—and pay more attention on tape as well as the individual’s personality.
In Bridgewater’s case, the team liked him before his supposed flop at Louisville’s Pro Day. They watched his film and thought he was the best quarterback prospect in the 2014 draft.
Fortunately for the Vikings, everything played out perfectly. Bridgewater’s botched broom drill may have been what caused him to land with the team who desired him most.
Photo: USA Today Sports