The Minnesota Vikings are one of several clubs projected to select a quarterback in next week’s NFL Draft. This is especially relevant given head coach Kevin O’Connell’s previous remarks about this year’s deep class of signal-callers.
It sounds like his team is on the prowl!
Minnesota will start the 2024/25 season with a new quarterback for the first time since 2018. Kirk Cousins departed for Atlanta. Josh Dobbs is no longer alive. The Jaren Hall experiment did not work out (so far).
Although Nick Mullens returns after playing five games last year, he will serve as the backup to Sam Darnold, who signed with the Vikings in the summer. They also appear to be adding another young quarterback to the room.
On Thursday night, O’Connell spoke at a nearby church about faith and leadership. He was also quizzed about the NFL draft. To be more specific, the third-year head coach was asked to compare J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye.
First and first, credit to the congregation member for asking such a knowledgeable inquiry. O’Connell also deserves credit for his thoughtful, detailed, and compassionate response. It was not patronizing, and he never appeared annoyed.
His response obviously indicated an interest in the role.
The last two Heisman Trophy winners are likely to be off the board by choice number three. Caleb Williams will be drafted by the Chicago Bears. Jayden Daniels is considered a virtual lock for the Washington Commanders.
New England chooses third and will (likely) target a signal-caller. That makes things intriguing at number four. Arizona doesn’t need a quarterback and might trade back. Minnesota might decide to go up.
This year’s class is extremely deep. Aside from Daniels, Williams, and Maye, McCarthy, Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler, Michael Penix Jr., and Michael Pratt are players who could/should be selected in the first three rounds. Jordan Travis, Joe Milton, and Austin Reed might all be good late-round options.
If O’Connell’s breakdown is any indicator, the Vikings will draft one of them!
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