The identity of the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback in 2024 and their strategy for the first round of the NFL Draft are significant uncertainties. As Kirk Cousins enters free agency, the starting quarterback position is undetermined, but according to Brett Kollman from The Film Room and The Bootleg Football Podcast, there is speculation that the Vikings may aim to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft to secure his successor.
Kollman, speaking on The Mina Kimes Show Featuring Lenny, emphasized that people might not fully grasp the significant effort the Vikings exerted in attempting to trade up for Anthony Richardson last year. He highlighted the substantial offer they put forth as evidence of their determination. Kollman hinted at the Vikings’ readiness to pursue Richardson, who ultimately became the fourth overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts. Considering the Carolina Panthers chose Bryce Young first and the Houston Texans picked C.J. Stroud second, Kollman speculated that his suspicions could involve the Arizona Cardinals, who traded the third pick to the Texans before the Colts secured Richardson.
“They were prepared to offer everything, the whole shebang – even the cat. It was a comprehensive package,” remarked Kollman. “They were ready to part with everything, but a successful trade requires mutual agreement. Unfortunately, their potential trade partner anticipated their own success and opted for alternatives, avoiding lower draft picks.”
Kollman expressed a persistent belief that the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for another bold move. Given their reported aggressiveness in pursuing Anthony Richardson last year, he anticipates a similar strategy in this year’s draft. While projections suggest the Chicago Bears might choose USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the first overall pick, and UNC’s Drake Maye expected to go shortly after, Kollman speculates that LSU’s Jayden Daniels could be an ideal target for the Vikings in the upcoming April draft.
“I strongly believe he’s a quarterback in the mold of Kevin O’Connell,” commented Kollman, pointing to Jayden Daniels. He also brought up Michael Penix Jr. from Washington as another potential target. “I genuinely think the enhanced mobility and the versatility he brings to the run game play a significant role. Considering their previous attempt to acquire [Richardson] last year, specifically for these reasons, I wouldn’t be surprised if Daniels is a priority on their list. If there’s an opportunity to move up and secure him, I think they’ll seize it.”
Jayden Daniels had an initial stint of three years in his college football career at Arizona State. In his first two seasons, he displayed impressive stats, throwing for 22 touchdowns and three interceptions. However, his performance in 2021 saw a shift, with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Following his transfer to LSU, Daniels experienced a remarkable resurgence. In 2022, he threw for 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns, and three interceptions, boasting a completion rate of 68.6%. The subsequent season showcased his outstanding capabilities as he threw for 3,812 yards, an impressive 40 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. This stellar performance culminated in Daniels winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
A noteworthy aspect of Daniels’s game is his exceptional running ability, contributing significantly to his overall impact. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated 2,019 rushing yards and scored 21 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability and versatility as a dynamic quarterback.
Securing Jayden Daniels for the Minnesota Vikings might come with a substantial cost, considering current projections. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Daniels is positioned as the fifth overall pick on its consensus mock draft board. This implies that if the Vikings are keen on acquiring him, it may necessitate a significant trade or maneuver to secure the quarterback, given his high ranking and potential demand from other teams.
Kollman speculates that the Los Angeles Chargers, who already have Justin Herbert at quarterback and the sixth overall pick entering Sunday’s games, could make for a potential trade partner if the Vikings are interested in a deal. Kollman, by the way, works with the Chargers.
With Cousins’s future in limbo, the Vikings could be in the market for a quarterback in the draft. But if Kollman’s intel is true, they could be on the verge of a blockbuster deal that could shape the future of the franchise.
