The Minnesota Vikings are expected to be in the running for at least one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Minnesota has won its way out of competition for one of the so-called “can’t miss” quarterbacks, particularly Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of North Carolina, who are expected to go in the top two or three picks. LSU’s Jayden Daniels was also a possible contender for the Vikings, but his Heisman Trophy run may result in commissioner Roger Goodell calling his name well before Minnesota’s chance to choose.
Michael Penix Jr. of the unbeaten Washington Huskies, on the other hand, may be a wonderful fit for the Vikings’ system/coaching staff while also being available in the late first round, where the team’s pick is most likely to fall. As a result, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski proposed Minnesota as a viable landing site for Penix next April on Friday, December 22.
Penix will turn 24 shortly after the draft next year. That, like with Bo Nix, can be viewed positively, especially in this situation. Minnesota doesn’t have a ready-made solution behind center with Kirk Cousins about to enter free agency and Joshua Dobbs benched. A more experienced signal-caller may be able to take over the task sooner rather than later.
Finally, because of weak mechanics, the quarterback’s touch can be unpredictable. Penix is frequently observed throwing off his back foot, which results in less fluctuation in his throws. Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, is a former NFL quarterback, personal quarterback coach, NFL quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator. In Minnesota, the head coach also calls the plays. He can design a strategy around an incoming rookie and maybe hide any flaws.
Michael Penix Jr. put up impressive numbers in his final collegiate season.
Aside from his age potentially cutting years off the back end of his NFL career, Penix’s health troubles at the University of Indiana may cause Minnesota to reconsider.
During his six years at the NCAA level, the quarterback has had two ACL injuries. Despite this, he has led the Huskies to the No. 2 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
According to Football Reference, Penix has 4,218 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 13 starts in the 2023 season, placing him second in the Heisman race to Daniels. Penix also has 4,641 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 13 games last season, his first in the Pac 12.
Kirk Cousins appears to be the best quarterback option for the Vikings next season.
While O’Connell’s experience and track record speak well for the next young Vikings quarterback, Cousins’ presence at the top of the position group for the next year or two might also do wonders.
Jaren Hall, a fifth-round draft pick in 2023, is on the roster, but the organization is cautious to play him while still competing for an NFC Wildcard Playoff spot. O’Connell has already benched Dobbs, and Nick Mullens is the prototypical career backup.
Because of the quarterback position behind Cousins, as well as his stated desire to return to Minnesota next season, the 12-year veteran is expected to be back in purple and gold once his torn Achilles tendon heals.
“Will I ever play football again?” Cousins revealed this to ESPN’s Adam Schefter during his December 19 show. “You know, I’m an older guy who is a free agent; is there a market for me?” I had absolutely no notion. I believe I will, and I believe it will take place [in Minnesota], but you never know.”
On December 21, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell published a detailed dive on the Vikings’ quarterback situation heading into 2024, concluding that bringing Cousins back on a two-year deal is the best option.
“A reunion with Cousins makes the most sense,” wrote Barnwell. “The defense has made enough progress to compete right away, and the passing attack was absolutely humming before Cousins was injured.” With Cousins’ road to a Kyle Shanahan reunion blocked by Brock Purdy in San Francisco, and the Vikings not in a position to get a top quarterback prospect in the draft, a two-year deal with vacant seasons for cap purposes makes sense for the Vikings.”
