The 2023 season is still in full swing, and the Minnesota Vikings are in the heart of the NFC playoff race. But it’s never too early to speculate on how the future might unfold. The NFL draft is the most important wager on the future.
The quarterback position is well represented in next year’s draft. One of them could emerge as the Vikings’ next quarterback.
According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, that potential should be LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
“If we’re being honest, even hoping for Daniels to be available at No. 21 in the draft feels unrealistic at this point,” Sikkema said in a post on December 12. “However, the pick stands because Daniels should be an explored option for the Vikings, no matter where they need to get to draft him.”
No. 5 Jayden Daniels
That Kid is the best QB in the country.
That Kid is the best player in the country.
That Kid a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. pic.twitter.com/8SH4CAzqRP— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 4, 2023
“The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s season has been nothing short of sensational,” Sikkema said in a statement. “With 29 big-time throws and 35 completions of 20 yards or more, he has a 91.9 passing grade.” That’s outstanding by any measure, but the LSU quarterback also has 1,200 running yards and a 91.8 rushing grade.”
This season, Daniels completed 72.2% of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Tigers.
He added 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground to earn the prestigious accolade.
Daniels completed 70.2% of his throws for 6,725 yards, 57 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in two seasons as the Tigers’ starter. That represents a significant improvement over his 62.4% completion rate, 6025 passing yards, and 32 touchdowns in three seasons at Arizona State.
Jayden Daniels is a tried-and-true Vikings draft pick.
Daniels discussed his choice to transfer to LSU, a talent pool the Vikings had previously tapped into, as well as his reaction to former Sun Devil teammates insulting him on film while clearing out his old locker.
“I came here for my future and my career,” Daniels stated in April, according to Sam Marsdale of 247 Sports. “It’s a new beginning. What occurred at Arizona State occurred with that video. I still have a lot of affection for those guys over there and chat to them at the end of the day because it’s about more than football for me. I will never pray for their demise.”
It doesn’t look like Jayden Daniels ASU teammates are real pleased with his decision to enter the transfer portal. pic.twitter.com/eElvZSErkv
— George Wrighster III (@georgewrighster) February 17, 2022
Daniels also expressed his admiration for his coaches, who have now retired.
“I always enjoyed my time at Arizona State,” Daniels said to 247Sports. “However, coming here to LSU allows me to showcase my talent on a national stage.” Many people back home don’t get to see our games.”
“Coming here and competing at the highest level with all these weapons here and all these resources, it’s really intriguing for me,” Daniels told reporters at the time.
This season, it paid off. He improved his draft stock significantly, going from not being a first-round pick in Sikkema’s mock draft in September to a top-20, if not higher, pick. This might complicate the Vikings’ draft intentions if they include drafting a quarterback.
The Vikings’ Quarterback Plans Remain Uncertain
The Vikings’ Week 14 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, along with the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, puts Minnesota ranked 22nd overall. With only four games remaining, each week will be crucial. And the Vikings’ playoff push is their main priority. However, if they want to be bold and move up, Daniels may be a dynamic alternative.
Nine of the last 11 Heisman winning QBs to enter the NFL Draft were selected in the top two picks — all 11 went 1st-round. (This assumably becomes 10 of the last 12 with Caleb Williams.)
Do you think LSU's Jayden Daniels be a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft ?
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) December 10, 2023
However, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini claimed on November 4 that they intend to bring Cousins, 35, back next season.
Perhaps this is a signal that they do not intend to choose a quarterback early.
