Undrafted QB Kyle Wright eager for fresh start with Minnesota Vikings

Coming out of Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif., Kyle Wright was the nation's most recruited quarterback.

Yet he wasn't chosen in last weekend's NFL draft.

So what went wrong at the University of Miami (Fla.)?

"There were a lot of variables," Wright said. "I think that's kind of the million-dollar question. We had four different offensive coordinators in four years and two head coaches, which is never easy for a team to build off from season to season. So that made it hard.

"I'm glad to have that in the rearview mirror and turn the page, and have something new."

Wright isn't sure how many teams wanted to sign him to a free-agent contract after the draft because he quickly decided to join the Vikings. He already had developed a rapport with quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers, and he was impressed with head coach Brad Childress. It didn't hurt that Rogers, Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell all have backgrounds working with quarterbacks.

"I think it's better to go where you're wanted," Wright said. "They called me after their last pick and said, 'If things don't work out, we want you really bad.' "

At 6 feet 4 and 225 pounds, Wright has intrigued teams because of his athleticism and sound mechanics.

"You know, I just liked the way he picked up the ball and threw it," Childress said. "If you were watching him back in the infancy of his career, he's tall in stature. He's got a nice throwing motion. There's not a lot of flaws in that."

Wright is encouraged by other quarterbacks who took non-traditional routes to stardom.

"You look at Tony Romo," Wright said, mentioning the Dallas Cowboys quarterback who went undrafted. "You look across the depth chart at the NFL teams, and not only starters but the backup guys are all guys that were taken late or as free agents."

Wright has realistic expectations. The Vikings have starter Tarvaris Jackson, veteran backups Gus Frerotte and Brooks Bollinger, and they spent a fifth-round pick on John David Booty of Southern California.

"Just trying to make the team in any way possible," Wright said of his goal. "It's a great opportunity and a privilege to be a part of this organization."

(twincities.com)