Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater ended last season on a high note, completing at least 68 percent of his passes over his final five games. Bridgewater impressed coaches and fans alike and has breathed new life into this once deflated franchise with his quality play. His emergence coupled with Minnesota's surprisingly frisky pass defense last season has fans excited for the future.
But hope and potential aren't enough. The Vikings need to continue to add pieces and improve if they wish to build a consistent winner. As a result, maximizing Bridgewater's development as a franchise quarterback has to be the top priority for Minnesota decision makers this offseason.
Enter the 2015 NFL draft where the Vikings hold the 11th pick. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects Minnesota to select Louisville wide receiver Devante Parker in his Mock Draft 2.0.
"The Vikings need help on the offensive line, but Parker would make a lot of sense here," McShay wrote. "They need to surround second-year QB Teddy Bridgewater with more weapons, and Parker was Bridgewater's top target at Louisville. Parker would become Minnesota's tallest receiver at 6-foot-2 ½, and he displays very good body control and competitiveness when the ball is in the air to go along with his size. He had a very productive season in 2014 after returning from injury (855 receiving yards in just seven games, 19.9 yards per catch)."
Bridgewater is a popular breakout candidate for 2015. Adding a top tier target such as Parker would only reinforce the confidence NFL observers have in him. While it's possible that third-year receiver Cordarrelle Patterson could still develop into a No. 1 target, snagging a more traditional pass catcher such as Parker would go a long way in aiding Bridgewater's development.
