Picking Penix Could Pay Off for Vikings
Ted Schwerzler
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The Minnesota Vikings are in a weird middle ground regarding the most important position in sports. If they shy away from paying big dollars for Kirk Cousins, they need to find a new franchise quarterback, but they don’t have the draft spot to take whomever they would like. Does Michael Penix Jr. fit in a new version of purple?
Picking Penix Could Pay Off for Vikings
When the Washington Huskies were included among the four College Football Playoff teams, it was much to the chagrin of Georgia Bulldogs fans, who felt their squad was among the best in the country. However, Michael Penix Jr. had led his team to an undefeated season in a very good Pac-12, and he backed up the performance with a victory over a good Texas Longhorns team in the semifinal game.
Despite beating the Oregon Ducks twice last year, plenty could be made about the weapons that Penix Jr. had at his disposal. Rome Odunze was the best wide receiver in college football, not named Marvin Harrison Jr. On the opposite side, Ja’Lynn Polk showed what should make him an elite option at the next level. Running back Dillon Johnson Jr. had a great season as well, and more often than not, Penix Jr. was tasked with simply getting his playmakers the football.
Fortunately for the Vikings, should they choose to go with Penix Jr., there’s a similar sentiment at the next level. Justin Jefferson is unquestionably the best wide receiver in the National Football League, and Jordan Addison has emerged as a legitimate young threat alongside him. Minnesota does need a third option, especially with K.J. Osborn set to hit free agency, but T.J. Hockenson at tight end is also an elite option for the position.
Penix Jr. being thrust into Kevin O’Connell’s offense is as soft of a landing spot as he could hope for. The Washington quarterback has exceptional arm strength and great ball placement skills. He also throws an exceptional deep ball, and for a wide receiver corps that can take the top off the defense, that may be the most exciting part.
At the 11th pick, there’s almost a certainty surrounding the availability of Penix Jr. Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, who are all expected to be gone within the first three picks, but beyond that, there isn’t a consensus on quarterbacks, and they could slide. Bo Nix out of Oregon may be an opportunity to trade back, J.J. McCarthy from Michigan represents that type of result as well, and Penix Jr. should be lumped in with that group.
It stands to reason that Minnesota won’t swing a big deal for anyone but a guy they are dead set on. They could grab their guy at their pick, though, or move down if they think their guy remains a few turns after their original selection. Either way, Penix Jr. is among the names that can provide them with flexibility.
Going from one team in purple to another would be fitting for the former Huskies signal caller, and providing Minnesota with a crack at a franchise quarterback is something to be excited about. Now, does he fit the mold and become the pick?
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.
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