These 5 QBs Could Realistically Join the Vikings in the NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings did not extend Kirk Cousins’ contract this offseason, signaling a possible end to his purple run after the 2023 campaign.
The club could actually re-sign Cousins at any minute, but it likely would’ve done so by now.
These 5 QBs Could Realistically Join the Vikings in the NFL Draft
Accordingly, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may draft his quarterback of the future in 2.5 weeks, a player who can watch and learn behind Cousins for one year. These are the five likeliest choices for that strategy, ranked in order of realism (No. 1 = most realistic).
5. Anthony Richardson (Florida)
Because of his galactic performance at the NFL Combine, Richardson will likely get sniped off the board early.
But what if he doesn’t?
Vikings fans have no way of knowing which rookie quarterback, if any, Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell yearn. However, if Richarson falls on draft night, just a little bit, the Vikings could pounce via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending two 1st-Rounders and a 3rd-Rounder southeasterly for the No. 10 pick, which Minnesota would use on Richardson.
It can happen; it’s not crazy. The Chiefs did this precise thing in 2017 to land Patrick Mahomes.
4. Clayton Tune (Houston)
Perhaps the Vikings merely seek an experimental quarterback — insert Clayton Tune.
Tune looks marvelous on tape and was incredibly productive at Houston. He isn’t ready for the bright lights of the regular season yet, but Minnesota doesn’t need him for that — not until 2024.
Tune’s the guy if the Vikings want to scratch a lottery ticket after Round 4.
3. Will Levis (Kentucky)
Due to an allegedly frosty reputation, Levis is falling down draftboards like a Plinko chip. A handful of mock drafts even envision Levis joining the Vikings at the No. 23 pick or perhaps dropping out of Round 1 on the whole.
If Levis does effectuate the tumble, the Vikings might consider the Wildcat a steal at No. 23. Like all the rest of the passers on this list, Levis would watch and learn behind Cousins for a year.
2. Hendon Hooker (Tennessee)
Probably the most popular Vikings plan at the moment, according to the masses, folks are embroiled in a debate about Hooker and whether he’s a Round 1 or Round 3 talent.
Coming off an ACL tear from November, plus his age-25 birth certificate, Minnesota could strike on Hooker if he hits Round 2 or 3. Of course, getting into the 2nd Round would require an Adofo-Mensah trade, but the man traded six times during last year’s draft.
Hooker to Minnesota is all the rage right now in the digital stratosphere. Per Vegas odds, the Vikings are the likeliest team to draft the Volunteer.
1. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA)
When you close out of this article, watch some Thompson-Robinson tape. He seems like a 1st-Round talent curiously trapped in Round 4 draft circles. It’s odd.
He’s as athletic as a point guard, can throw the ball as far as Patrick Mahomes, and appears to have the coveted “it factor.” Like Tune, Adofo-Mensah would have to trade zero draft capital for him, and O’Connell could ready Thompson-Robinson for Sundays in the NFL.
Vikings Linked to Veteran Free Agent
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.
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