Future Leader?

[mondry]

So, you think the Vikings shouldn't try to make it 6 times in the last 31 years? Drafted quarterbacks probably have a poorer ratio than the numbers you presented. I'm sure there are some other examples I can't remember at this point.

I don't believe there have been less than 5 good QB's drafted in the past 30 years. The thing is, I'm not saying starting a back up like tom brady is a bad idea if he's your guy and the only option due to injury. What I'm saying is trading for a back up QB is often a bad idea and there is much more history supporting that than data saying you'll hit the jack pot. For every Shaub theres at least a flynn, kolb, cassell, etc. That's likely because a guy like flynn or cassell may be able to manage in the patriots or GB system but wouldn't do well here.

[mansquatch]

On good QB I think we are referring to great QB. So who are they?

Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Drew Brees
Aaron Rogers

Who else? Maybe Matt Ryan, but he has yet win big in the playoffs. Maybe Stafford as well.

Of that list Manning, Ryan, and Stafford were all high 1st round picks. I think top 5, I know Manning was first overall and I think Ryan was as well. Not sure on the others and to be honest, I don't really care. THe point is if you want one you either hope the eval of the NFL FOs is off (Rogers, Brees) or you win the lottery (Brady). Otherwise, the surefire bet is to be at the top of the draft.

The incentive to get a QB seems to be to tank a season.

[Mothman]

I don't believe there have been less than 5 good QB's drafted in the past 30 years. The thing is, I'm not saying starting a back up like tom brady is a bad idea if he's your guy and the only option due to injury. What I'm saying is trading for a back up QB is often a bad idea and there is much more history supporting that than data saying you'll hit the jack pot. For every Shaub theres at least a flynn, kolb, cassell, etc. That's likely because a guy like flynn or cassell may be able to manage in the patriots or GB system but wouldn't do well here.

... and what has Houston won with Schaub anyway?

On good QB I think we are referring to great QB. So who are they?

Peyton Manning
Tom Brady
Drew Brees
Aaron Rogers

Who else? Maybe Matt Ryan, but he has yet win big in the playoffs. Maybe Stafford as well.

I wouldn't classify Ryan or Stafford as great QBs at this point in their careers. I'd say the list of great quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL stops at the 4 you listed.

Of that list Manning, Ryan, and Stafford were all high 1st round picks. I think top 5, I know Manning was first overall and I think Ryan was as well. Not sure on the others and to be honest, I don't really care. THe point is if you want one you either hope the eval of the NFL FOs is off (Rogers, Brees) or you win the lottery (Brady). Otherwise, the surefire bet is to be at the top of the draft.

The incentive to get a QB seems to be to tank a season.

LOL! Maybe but I think the best way to do is to:

a.) Always be on the lookout. If you don't have a great QB and you see one you think can be great, go get him. That applies to the draft, free agency, scouting other leagues, etc.

b.) Don't draft/sign a QB based on college performance alone and absolutely do NOT draft based on stats, awards, etc. I'm convinced one of the most fundamentally important aspects of finding and/or developing a QB successfully is getting the right QB for what the team wants to do and then putting him in a good situation. From there, it's a question of coaching, building around him and continuing to emphasize his strengths. In other words, knowing what you want/need and great scouting are both crucial.

Brees was drafted at the top of the second round. He's another QB who dropped because he was supposedly too short, a concept I found unbelievable at the time because it was obvious to me when I watched him in college that he was going to succeed at the next level.

Brady was drafted in R6. Rodgers fell toward the bottom of R1. Stafford was the 1st pick in the draft. Ryan was the third pick in the draft.

[HornedMessiah]

The Vikings need a leader on defense as much as, probably more than, they need one on offense

Maybe Harrison Smith can be that guy? Polamalu has had that role for years in Pittsburgh (when he's been healthy) and apparently Brian Dawkins was the same way in Philly and Denver as well. It's probably asking too much of him now in his second year but next season hopefully he shows that he's capable of stepping up and becoming that guy. We'll need him to because guys like KWill and Allen will be gone in a couple years.