Sep 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks on before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings are set to take a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. It seems like a near certainty that they will package their current first-round picks to move up and grab the prospect of their choice. So far, Jayden Daniels has been on the outside looking in when thinking about presumed targets, but the tides may be changing.
It was reported earlier this week that Jayden Daniels was certainly interested in Minnesota. Of course, that makes sense because the rookie signal caller would get to work with superstar talent like Justin Jefferson, and having complementary players such as T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones should set you up for sizable success.
Based on mock drafts and reporting, though, Daniels’ name hadn’t been heavily linked to the Vikings.
Until now.
Minnesota has spent significant time doing private workouts this draft cycle. Rather than get caught up in Pro Day or Combine workouts, the Vikings have sought to carve their own path and find a way to get the most out of each interaction with possible draftees. Setting up a private workout down in Louisiana puts Daniels squarely on the radar, and the link is now stronger than ever.
This doesn’t change the notion that both J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye appear more likely to be drafted by the Vikings, but multiple factors are at play when considering the options. Daniels is unlikely to surpass the third overall pick and may not surpass the Washington Commanders at number two. That means Minnesota would need to part with the most sizable package to acquire his services, and that’s only worth it if they truly believe he is their guy.
Regardless of where Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah end up from a talent evaluation perspective, the cost shouldn’t deter their focus from landing that player. In trying to find a franchise quarterback, you often only get one swing at it. Saving a few pennies on the dollar to come up with your second choice leaves you open to second-guessing and scrutiny for years to come.
It is of the utmost importance that through all of the data gathered by the decision makers, based on all the data gathered, do what it takes to leave the draft feeling comfortable with the player they selected because it was the one they wanted.
Maybe that’s Daniels, and maybe it isn’t, but at least a bridge is being built.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.