Vikings Projected to Pass on Championship QB for Potential ‘Immediate Starter’
The two biggest holes on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster remain quarterback and pass rusher with Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter both free agency this offseason.
Even if Cousins returns, the Vikings need to plan for life after the 35-year-old quarterback. And Hunter is one of three Vikings pass rushers set to hit the open market this offseason, setting up for some level of positional reshuffling.
Furthermore, with the group exploring a compensation cap crunch, modest substitutions could be all together.
In another counterfeit draft from ESPN’s Matt Mill operator, the Vikings figure out how to get ready for one or the other player to return or withdraw in free organization this offseason.
Mill operator projects the Vikings will choose Alabama’s Dallas Turner with the No. 12 generally pick prior to catching likely quarterback representing things to come Michael Penix Jr. of Washinton with the No. 42 in general pick.
“The Vikings are at a junction with quarterback Kirk Cousins hitting free organization at 36 years of age and falling off an Achilles tear experienced in Week 8,” Mill operator composed on February 5. ” Be that as it may, there are necessities no matter how you look at it. Danielle Tracker is a free specialist, and Turner would impeccably fit D-facilitator Brian Flores’ protective list of things to get at edge rusher.
“His ceiling is higher than that of his former college teammate Will Anderson Jr., who went No. 3 in the draft of last year. Turner has great speed in space with a star player correlation with the Pumas’ Josh Allen.”
Miller wrote, “He’s my highest-ranked defender in the class and would be a steal this late in the night.”
Turner recorded 10.0 sacks and 14.5 handles for misfortune for the Ruby Tide this previous season. Both set new profession good grades.
Tracker, 29, is falling off a vocation best 16.5-sack crusade. He acquired his fourth excursion to the Ace Bowl and second All-Expert determination. He has said that he needs to get back to the Vikings next season. However, he has also acknowledged that the final decision must be made by the front office.
In Miller’s mock draft, the Vikings pass on two first-round quarterbacks, including Michigan’s national champion J.J. McCarthy, whom he projects to go No. 13 in general to the Las Vegas Thieves.
Vikings Backtrack for QB Representing things to come
Mill operator takes note of that the Vikings could settle on a quarterback – incorporating Penix – with the No. 11 generally speaking pick. However, they are not required to in his hypothetical draft scenario.
It was Penix’s Huskies that McCarthy’s Wolverines beat in the Public Title Game.
“Penix’s draft stock fluctuates relying upon whom you ask, however the most predictable response I’ve heard is the subsequent round, given the four season-finishing wounds he endured at Indiana,” Mill operator composed. ” Penix has brilliant arm strength and speed, and as an unadulterated passer, he’s a first-rounder.
“Those injury and strength questions push him to the Vikings.”
Penix endured leg tendon and shoulder wounds during his time at Indiana. However, in 2023, he threw 65.4% of his passes for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
There could likewise be a few worries about Penix’s roof as a more established prospect – he turns 24 years of age in May. In any case, that doesn’t appear to be an issue for Mill operator, who rather rests on the allure of Penix’s insight.
“It’s incredible information for Minnesota,” Mill operator composed. ” Penix can be the quarterback-in-pausing on the off chance that Cousins is re-marked, or the quick starter on the off chance that he isn’t.”
Kirk Cousins is anxious about settling the contract.
Like Tracker, Cousins has communicated an interest in getting back to the Vikings next season. While reports of his next agreement possibly surpassing $40 million yearly have surfaced, Cousins is likewise growing somewhat anxious.
“Many individuals who ask, including loved ones, are amazed to discover that the discussions truly don’t start until Spring,” Cousins said by means of Sky Sports NFL on January 30. ” I couldn’t want anything more than to know where I’m going. I couldn’t want anything more than to get those discussions rolling at this point.”
It would appear that General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is under pressure to move quickly through his competitive rebuild.
