If The Vikings Can't Trade Up, They Could Draft This Quarterback
When the Vikings traded for the 23rd overall pick, the entire NFL world could sense the team was loading up in an attempt to trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta, the team is hunting for its next franchise quarterback. But what happens if the team can't find a trade partner to get Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy?
Could The Vikings Draft This QB Instead?
While quarterback is by far the biggest need for the Vikings in this draft, there is a possibility they aren't able to trade up with Arizona or New England to get the guy they want. If that happens, Minnesota could take a swing on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Penix Jr. had a phenomenal season in 2023, throwing for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He led the Pac-12 in passing yards in 2022 and recorded the most passing yards in the entire NCAA in 2023. Penix helped lead the Huskies to the National Championship, but they fell short to J.J. McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines.
Minnesota is taking the necessary steps to evaluate each quarterback prospect rather than just focusing on one guy. After the Washington pro day, the team traveled to Seattle to hold a private workout with Penix Jr. Recent mocks have the 23-year-old drafted inside the top 15, placing him close to the Vikings' 11th overall selection if the team stays put.
Final Thoughts
Everyone knows the Minnesota Vikings are going to take a quarterback, but the only question is who. I pick Drake May, but it seems more likely that Washington could take him second overall. I'm not completely sold on J.J. McCarthy, but Kevin O'Connell and the rest of the coaching staff seem to like him, so that's also an intriguing option.
If the Minnesota Vikings don't draft Maye or McCarthy, Penix Jr. seems like the next guy up. He has extensive college experience and could make an instant impact with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
How would you feel about the Vikings drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft?
How would you feel about the Vikings drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft?
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