Ranking the Minnesota Vikings' Best, Worst, and Most Realistic Outcomes on Draft Night
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With the NFL Draft looming just days away, it's time to assess and rank the best, worst, and most realistic Thursday night outcomes for the Minnesota Vikings.
It appears inevitable that the team will draft a quarterback. However, the lingering question remains: who will the team identify as its long-term answer to a position they've struggled to solidify since Fran Tarkenton?
Best Outcome: Trading up to No. 3 and Drafting Drake Maye
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Since the NFL Combine, reports have consistently indicated that the Vikings remain intent on trading up to acquire North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. However, the biggest challenge lies beyond Minnesota's control, hinged on whether the New England Patriots are willing to part ways with the No. 3 overall pick.
With Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels emerging as the front-runners for the top two picks, Drake Maye could potentially be available at No. 3. However, if New England remains undecided on Maye and decides to wait for Daniels' to officially be selected by Washington, Thursday night might be when Adofo-Mensah decides to strike a deal with Eliot Wolf.
If the Vikings land Maye, it should be the best outcome since they’ve targeted the 6-foot-5 quarterback for months, even hiring his former high school coach, ex-NFL quarterback Josh McCown, as their quarterback coach. This move signifies its long-term commitment to solidifying the position, even if it means giving up multiple first round picks.
Worst Outcome: Settling for Bo Nix at No. 23
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If we're considering the worst-case scenario for Thursday night, it would involve the Vikings refraining from making any trades and instead opting for Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.
While Nix isn't inherently a poor prospect, his five-season tenure at two different schools and one-year success in an offense reliant on crossing routes don't instill confidence in him as a franchise quarterback who can take the team to new heights.
The disappointment stems from a familiar scenario: the front office rushing into a quarterback selection due to perceived need, reminiscent of the previous regime's error in over drafting Christian Ponder at No. 11 overall after Brett Favre retired.
Finding an heir apparent to Kirk Cousins won’t be an easy task, but both ganeral manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell will need to identify the right guy.
Is that guy Bo Nix? Taking such a gamble could pose significant risks, potentially costing them their jobs, highlighting the pressure both are under as they approach Thursday night.
Most Realistic Outcome: Trading up into the Top Five for JJ McCarthy
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The Vikings typically aren't known for making bold moves or engaging in blockbuster deals. Thus, it seems improbable, given their history, that they would make the biggest trade in franchise history by moving up from No. 11 overall all the way into the top three.
However, the possibility of moving up a few spots or even into the top five with the Los Angeles Chargers seems more realistic.
A move like this likely wouldn't demand a hefty price, perhaps not even three first-round picks. By moving up, the team would likely target Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, seen as a near certainty to be a top 10 pick, with some speculating he might not even make it past the New York Giants at No. 6 overall.
McCarthy is the most realistic outcome primarily because the team has extensively evaluated all of the top quarterbacks, with Maye and McCarthy being linked together at the top.
If the team is unable to move into the top three for Maye, then McCarthy could be viewed as the team’s backup plan.
He could also prolong the contract timelines for both Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell, who are nearing extensions.
McCarthy’s development is expected to at least take a season or two, prompting the team to consider a patient approach, possibly looking at the 2024 season as a redshirt year for the young quarterback, who recently turned 21.
It's also worth mentioning that this past offseason, the team signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal as its bridge quarterback. Darnold offers stability, enabling him to start games while McCarthy adjusts to the speed of the NFL.
