Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has stated that he believes in the ability of new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Bridgewater was chosen by the Vikings with the 32nd overall pick during the NFL Draft, although he was tipped to be chosen much earlier.

The rookie has admitted that his nickname amongst teammates is "GUMP", an acronym which stands for "Great Under Major Pressure", and it is something that Spielman has agreed with.

The GM told the Vikings' official website: "Every time I had exposure to him and when you watch the tape and with coach Mike Zimmer and coach Norv Turner and Scott Turner, Teddy just seemed to have that knack of when he's in pressure situations in the game, being able to come through it.

"We did a very analytical study on all of the quarterbacks. One of the things that really stuck out to us of all the quarterbacks is that Teddy was the best against the blitz. So he's very cool and calm under pressure."

Bridgewater has this week admitted that he was pleased not to be chosen by the Cleveland Browns.