EAGAN, Minnesota – The Vikings are predicted by the majority of NFL draft experts to select a quarterback at the forthcoming three-day event.
However, when and how will Minnesota get that player? Opinions vary.
As NFL Network’s Chad Reuter recently informed Tatum Everett of Vikings Entertainment Network, it’s ultimately hard to forecast with precision what will occur during the draft.
Speculating is enjoyable, though.
Last week, the Vikings Entertainment Network visited NFL Network, where Everett discussed the impending draft and several strategies Minnesota can pursue with Reuter and several of his colleagues.
Thinking like Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager of the Vikings, Marc Sessler advised Kwesi to go obtain the quarterback he desired.
Because there are enough options at the quarterback position for teams to select a talented passer without having to select first or second overall, Sessler said that this year’s draft class is very enticing.
“In our [mock draft] situation, they went up to No. 4, and that makes a lot of sense,” Sessler stated to Everett. “You’re getting, maybe, J.J. McCarthy right there, and you trust [Vikings Head Coach] Kevin O’Connell to work wonders with quarterbacks, and then you’re in that special window where you’re working with a rookie quarterback contract.”
Rhett Lewis also recommended that if the Vikings were able to acquire Jayden Daniels of LSU or Drake Maye of North Carolina, they try to trade up significantly from No. 11.
Bucky Brooks, Lewis’ coworker, thinks Maye has the “highest ceiling” of any quarterback available in the draft.
“Projection is the focus of drafting; production is not always the goal. Furthermore, Brooks noted that Drake Maye’s projection “shows the quintessential combination of size, arm talent, athleticism, high I.Q., and great dude in the locker room when it comes to leadership skills.” ‘Do we have a situation that will allow him to flourish?’ is what you’re attempting to determine. Because if you hit, you’re talking about a player with skill comparable to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen.
“I think if you ask many decision makers, they’ll gamble on a player that has that kind of upside,” Brooks said.
While Lewis acknowledged that the Bears are anticipated to select Caleb Williams at the first pick, he expressed doubt that the Commanders or Patriots will forfeit their No. 2 or 3 picks, no matter how much money is offered.
And Lewis is less likely to recommend a major trade up if the Vikings are then interested in McCarthy.
“I would be a little hesitant to trade 11, 23, and perhaps even a 2025 first-round selection for a player like J.J. McCarthy, who has demonstrated elite qualities to you—albeit not as loudly as the other guys. Lewis clarified, “So that’s where my hesitation would be.” “At No. 12, I could see you moving up a spot or two to keep the Broncos at bay. If you do that and you stay ahead of them, McCarthy might fall to you at that point, at 10 [or so].” There, I think I would feel a little more at ease.”
Lewis was echoed by Gregg Rosenthal, who declared that he “isn’t in love” with the idea of selecting McCarthy in the top five if there’s a chance to get him lower.
Rosenthal said, “I’d rather sit where they are now, actually.” “See if he actually falls, which I think is a bigger chance than people really make it out to be.”
Reuter is “Team Stay at 11” for Minnesota, pointing out that if the Vikings hold onto the 11th and 23rd overall picks, they have a chance to choose not just one, but two excellent players.
But if they do it, must they go quarterback first? or were they able to wait?
“A quarterback will be selected with one of those two picks. The other will need to be to somewhat bolster the defense, according to Reuter. “And it truly will depend on the quarterbacks’ grades that they have assigned.
“They may not have that first-round grade on any of the guys who will be available at 11, so they may wait until that 23rd spot to get their quarterback and then get their elite defender later or earlier in the draft,” he stated. “Kind of like they did [in 2014] when they picked Anthony Barr [at No. 9] and then traded up late in the first round for Teddy Bridgewater.”
If Adofo-Mensah chooses to advance, according to Reuter, deals with the Cardinals at No. 4 or the Chargers at No. 5 might need to be struck. In addition to a potential first-round selection in 2025, he projects that it would require three selections from this year’s draft, including the two first-round picks.
“They’re gonna have to pay a pretty heavy price to go up and get one of those guys,” he stated.
Reuter thinks the Vikings won’t push it, but they’re ready to make a big play when the time is right.
“I believe that trade they made with the Texans showed you that they are capable, correct? I mean, I believe they are aware of their skill. They will use it if the player is worth the value. However, Reuter stated, “I don’t think this team is into overpaying.” “Therefore, I believe they’ll be understanding if theyWe think the next guy in line at quarterback may be a strong starter for us as well, but look, we still adore those guys. So why select one person with so many picks? I believe they could accomplish it, or at least they could want to, if the cost isn’t too great.”
According to Brooks, there are other choices if the Vikings don’t make any moves up and if the top four quarterbacks are already selected by the time Minnesota has to act.
“Tier one is Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy in any order, [and then] Bo Nix and Michael Penix are just a notch below them,” Brooks said. “They approach the game in various ways. When it comes to pushing the ball down the field, Michael Penix is more of an intermediate specialist than Bo Nix.
“The next tier really features a guy, Spencer Rattler, coming out of South Carolina, [who] finished his career in a very solid fashion,” Brooks stated. “He is the best value option. On day two, Spencer Rattler will be the first quarterback off the board.”
Reuter added: “I think they have a couple of great options available to them, no matter what they do.”
Sessler and NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund both agreed, pointing out that O’Connell would ultimately decide how much is ideal for Minnesota’s offense.
A duo of pass catchers like Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson is a luxury heading into the draft, according to Frelund.
“The situation actually is… Having exceptionally good receivers allows you to be less restrictive with your QB from the start, as opposed to expecting him to always throw the ideal spiral to the ideal spot, according to Frelund. Therefore, it’s the trade-offs for me. How would you like [this QB] to be used?
“Are they comprehending the principles in a way that makes sense as a Viking when they’re in the rooms interviewing these great guys? From a numerical perspective, I am unable to respond to these questions,” Frelund said. “I can see their previous resumes on video and compare what they’ve done. However, I think there are a few guys who meet that description.
“And there are also several guys who maybe we aren’t talking as much about – maybe not the top three – who could fit that bill,” Frelund said. “In addition, there’s the potential assistance of an offensive lineman in the interior, an edge rusher, or a cornerback. It’s the culmination of everything. Ultimately, though, the question is, “Does your resume demonstrate that you can run the things we’re trying to do?” ‘Do you think like a Viking?’ you ask them when you’re in the room with them.
Whatever route Minnesota chooses, Sessler is optimistic that O’Connell will succeed with a new quarterback.
“I firmly believe that Kevin O’Connell’s approach, which falls under the category of coaches that maximize quarterback potential while maintaining a welcoming environment, is excellent for a rookie. Sessler remarked, “I mean, I look at four of those guys at the top of the draft.” “I believe that if you’re the Vikings and you’re participating in this trial, this journey, you need to be content with three or four of them. You genuinely do.
“I just trust the Vikings system to make the most of them,” Sessler stated. “I think they probably feel comfortable with a number of guys.”