The Vikings, just a few days after losing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, acquired the 23rd overall pick in the draft through a trade with the Texans. With their original pick (No. 11), they have the option to move up and select a quarterback or stay put.
Six quarterbacks are projected to be taken in the top half of the round: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Drake Maye. If head coach Kevin O’Connell can develop any of these quarterbacks, Minnesota may choose to remain at No. 11 and see how things unfold.
However, there are risks involved in this strategy. Teams like the Bears and Jets could potentially make trades with teams like the Broncos and Raiders to leapfrog Minnesota and acquire a quarterback before they do. Additionally, there is speculation that the Vikings could benefit from an investigation into the Atlanta Falcons’ alleged tampering with Cousins, resulting in a swap of draft picks.
The Vikings have various options ahead of them: not drafting a quarterback at all and focusing on other positions with picks No. 11 and No. 23 or selecting one at their current position if things play out in the draft as planned.
Overall, it remains to be seen whether Minnesota will make a move for a quarterback or stay put at No. 11 as they look forward to rebuilding their team without Cousins’ leadership under center anymore.
