Nate

Stanley

These transactions leave the Vikings with two quarterbacks, five running backs, seven receivers, nine offensive linemen, eleven defensive linemen, five linebackers, six cornerbacks, only two safeties, a kicker, a punter, and a long snapper.

He’s the first Vikings rookie to sign a contract. Stanley (6'4/235) made 39 consecutive starts in Iowa’s I-formation offense, finishing with a 27-12 record as only the second three-year captain in school history. The Hawkeyes’ offense relies on quick throws and intelligent opportunities downfield, but Stanley’s career average depth of completion (6.4) emphasizes his reluctance to take shots. Having said that, tight windows don’t intimidate him, and his concentration inexplicably increased on third and fourth downs (70-for-121, 57.9 percent). With a spotty track record of overthrowing his teammates by 15-plus yards at times, Stanley projects as a late-round developmental project whose ceiling is that of a career backup’s. The current No. 2 quarterback for the Vikings is Sean Mannion, so Stanley has a chance.

Stanley (6'4/235) made 39 consecutive starts in Iowa’s I-formation offense, finishing with a 27-12 record as only the second three-year captain in school history. The Hawkeyes’ offense relies on quick throws and intelligent opportunities downfield, but Stanley’s career average depth of completion (6.4) emphasizes his reluctance to take shots. Having said that, tight windows don’t intimidate him, and his concentration inexplicably increased on third and fourth downs (70-for-121, 57.9 percent). With a spotty track record of overthrowing his teammates by 15-plus yards at times, Stanley projects as a late-round developmental project whose ceiling is that of a career backup’s. The current No. 2 quarterback for the Vikings is Sean Mannion, so Stanley has a chance.