Vikings Meet with Next Top QB Prospect

Nov 25, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers fan request s a picture with quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.

All eyes in Minnesota are on the NFL draft. The three-day event will begin on April 25 with the first round, and the franchise’s fate, at least for the next few years, could be decided on that day. The Vikings acquired another first-round selection, and the goal is to package both first-rounders, and perhaps some change, to land a top-five pick and, with that, a top QB prospect.

Vikings Meet with Next Top QB Prospect

Vikings Meet With Next Elite QB Prospect
Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell (left) and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah react during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

The rumor mill is going crazy. In the last couple of months, every available quarterback has been connected to the Vikings, either draft prospects or potential names circulating in trade talks. Kirk Cousins’ departure certainly assisted the gossip even further.

Minnesota’s interest in Michigan passer J.J. McCarthy is well known. The quarterback coaches were present at his pro day, and news about a private workout with the national champion surfaced last week.

ESPN Says This
Sep 16, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) reacts after a play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports.

Obviously, McCarthy isn’t the only player the Vikings are doing their homework on. Jayden Daniels is the next guy, according to Ian Rapoport on X: “Immediately following his Pro Day, LSU QB and potential Top 3 pick Jayden Daniels is scheduled to meet with the Patriots, Commanders, Giants, Vikings, Broncos and Raiders, per his agent Ron Butler. Daniels has not previously met with any teams.”

USC’s Caleb Williams is the overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall by the Chicago Bears with the draft pick they secured by trading away last year’s top choice to Carolina. After that, the draft really begins. McCarthy, Daniels, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye are all potential second-overall picks.

Dec 9, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Heisman hopefuls (left to right) LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels and Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix and Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pose with the Heisman trophy during a press conference in the Astor ballroom at the New York Marriott Marquis before the presentation of the Heisman trophy. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The betting odds favor Daniels to be picked with Washington’s second pick, and for good reason. He had a marvelous 2024 campaign, resulting in the Heisman Trophy. Experiencing a late breakout, Daniels passed for 3,812 yards and 40 scores while only throwing four INTs. Those crazy passing numbers were supplemented by 1,134 rushing yards and 10 more touchdowns.

Daniels features outstanding athleticism. He should be one of the NFL’s elite rushing QBs when the new season starts. Unusual for a mobile QB with his level of athleticism is that he possesses an outstanding arm with touch, accuracy, and enough power to be a serious threat in the pocket.

Clue for Jayden
Nov 18, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs for a gain while being pursued by Georgia State Panthers linebacker Jontrey Hunter (1) and Georgia State Panthers linebacker Justin Abraham (48) in first quarter action at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports.

PFF’s Nick Akridge summarized the dynamic player in two sentences: “Jayden Daniels is a game-changing type of athlete on the run and in the pocket. It’s the combination one dreams about when building an ideal quarterback in this generation.”

It would likely require the Vikings to trade with the Commanders unless Washington surprisingly chooses another player. DraftKings ranks the Vikings third in odds to land the LSU prospect.


Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt

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Janik Eckardt is a German sports nerd, who likes numbers and stats. He chose the Vikings to be his ... More about Janik Eckardt