Vikings 4th in Line for Kentucky Fireballer
Dustin Baker
|
The latest and greatest Minnesota Vikings debate is about the quarterback, and it somehow really doesn’t involve Kirk Cousins.
Can you believe it?
Vikings 4th in Line for Kentucky Fireballer
Cousins will turn 35 this summer, and even the most ardent of Cousins’ fans tend to believe it’s an appropriate time for Minnesota to plan for “the next guy” at quarterback. Accordingly, in the last two weeks, the great Vikings debate regarding “who to draft” at quarterback in April has commenced.
It could be a trade up the board for one of the Big Four — C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, or Anthony Richardson. Perhaps reaching with the Vikings 23rd pick for Hendon Hooker could shake out. Or — waiting until later rounds to take a flyer on Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) or Clayton Tune (Houston) might tickle your fancy.
Per sportsbooks, though, the Vikings have pretty damn reasonable odds to draft Kentucky’s Will Levis — whether via trade or draft-night tumble.
A firebrand character, to be sure, Levis’ draft stock, especially with one month to go before the draft, is all over the place. Some believe the Carolina Panthers could shock the world and draft him No. 1 overall. Others think he’s a firm Top 10er. And in the last few days, some draft brains claim his personality will drive him all the way down the board, perhaps even to the Vikings spot (No. 23).
Draft expert Chad Forbes tweeted Wednesday about Levis’ recent reputation, “Will Levis is bombing interviews. Arrogance, entitlement. Plus… just bizarre. 24 years old. Should be far ahead of guys that graduated from High School in the pandemic 25 months ago (Stroud / Richardson / Stroud). ‘Why didn’t he beat out Sean Clifford.’ Levis could go Day 2.”
Regardless, though, of Forbes’ thoughts or where Levis is selected on April 27th or 28th, the Vikings are fourth in line, per oddsmakers, to land Levis. The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner tweeted Friday odds of Levis’ new NFL team:
- Titans (+200)
- Colts (+250)
- Raiders (+275)
- Vikings (+800)
- Seahawks (+900)
- Buccaneers (10/1)
- Commanders (10/1)
- Texans (16/1)
- Ravens (18/1)
- Falcons (18/1)
- Lions (20/1)
- Patriots (33/1)
- Panthers (40/1)
Based on these odds, Levis’ eventual draft placement seems to indicate a slight tumble down the board, in which the Vikings could strike via trade — or a total plummet to No. 23.
Last week, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter envisioned a Vikings trade to the Eagles No. 10 spot for Levis. Reuter wrote, “Kirk Cousins is entering a contract year, and the Vikings expect to be good enough to keep them out of the running for the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Minnesota might choose to shoot its shot now, getting Levis in a trade with Philadelphia in exchange for a third-round pick this year and 2024 first-rounder.”
Levis offers a quick release, a rocket arm, and hope for the post-Cousins era. Some team will take a chance on the Wildcat — and Vegas foresees the Vikings as fourth on the list.
The NFL draft is 27 days away.
More CBs on the Way for Vikings
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.