Vikings Should Look to 2nd Round for Certain QB
The Minnesota Vikings need to figure out the quarterback position this offseason, and regardless of whether that means Kirk Cousins is back in purple, there needs to be a succession plan for the position. Finding a rookie in a deep draft makes sense, but if it’s the one developing a lot of steam, a second-round pick would be a much better allocation of draft capital.
Vikings Should Look to 2nd Round for Certain QB
At this point, there is no way Minnesota will be in a position to select Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye. Those quarterbacks are all set to go within the first three picks of April’s NFL draft, and unless the Vikings mortgage the farm to move up from the 11th pick, all of those players are a far-fetched dream.
The second trio includes Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy. It’s here that Minnesota could have some opportunity, and multiple draft prognosticators have tied them to the Michigan arm. McCarthy has been all over the board at different points this season, and after leading the Wolverines to a National Championship, he’s ready to take his talents to the next level.
What McCarthy brings to the NFL is somewhat of an unknown commodity. He had a pair of talented running backs behind him, and they both helped to rack up significant production while McCarthy needed to do little more than turn and hand them the ball. That’s not to say the Michigan signal-caller isn’t worthy of consideration; he, too, proved there is a place for him at the next level. Minnesota deciding he’s their choice at number 11 seems like a reach.
If the Vikings are set on McCarthy in the upcoming draft, then selecting someone on defense with their first-round pick makes sense. McCarthy projects as more second-round talent, even though a positional need may force him into the latter half of the first round. Minnesota could trade back and look to add additional draft capital and then use one of those picks to take the Wolverine quarterback as well.
The reality for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is that the Vikings roster has more holes than just quarterback. While that one is the most important to get sorted out, it can’t come at the expense of neglecting every other area as well. Sacrificing an opportunity to add quality difference-makers throughout the 53-man roster can’t be a calculated decision. Drafting a player like McCarthy should take some maneuvering, and it’s something that Minnesota has to be ok with.
Going to get their guy is something that every team does, but without trading up to make a statement, you can’t overvalue a player solely out of need.
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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