Get to know Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the 32nd overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Name: Teddy Bridgewater
Position: QB
School: Louisville
Background:
Named 2012 Big East Offensive Player of the Year
Threw for 9,817 yards with 72 touchdowns in 39 games with a .684 completion percentage
He was the best quarterback in the draft under pressure completing 53.5 percent of his passes, per ESPN Stats & Information
Earned Big East Rookie of the Year honors in 2011
Started off as a wide receiver before switching to quarterback at Miami Northwestern High. Ranked by Rivals.com as second best quarterback in the nation in 2011
On the connection he felt with the Vikings during the draft process
Prior to the draft I met with the Vikings about four or five times. I was able to establish a relationship with Rick Spielman, Coach Norv Turner, Scott Turner through that entire process when they came out to visit me, even when I worked out for the Vikings I felt very comfortable being on the board and on the field so I think that is what it was.
On what changed from his Pro Day to his private workout with the Vikings
Well for one, I wore my glove and felt comfortable being around the coaches. It was another opportunity to showcase my talents, just had a great day overall. Coach Turner, he was coaching me up as I was going through the process and I was able to just take that great coaching and apply.
On what was it like sliding down the 32nd overall pick
The biggest thing was you can't buy into what's being said about you. My agent told me the first time I met him, who cares that I'm the number one quarterback. I had that mindset that I feel that I am the best prospect in the draft, but everything happens for a reason. From me being projected number one, to going 32nd I'm just blessed and I'm happy to be a Viking.
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
