It has been a while since we last checked in on the NFL draft landscape surrounding the Minnesota Vikings. A lot has changed since then, namely the Vikings going on a 5-game win streak despite losing quarterback Kirk Cousins for the year to an Achilles injury.
While a lot has changed, one thing remains the same: NFL draft analysts projecting a QB to Minnesota. This time it comes to us from Connor Rogers at NBC Sports, and it’s a familiar name: Michael Penix Jr.
Though the Vikings are no longer projected to be picking in the top 5, thanks in large part to the efforts of new quarterback Josh Dobbs, it’s not enough to keep the speculation of a new quarterback for 2024 at bay.
It’s understandable, as Dobbs has been a journeyman throughout his NFL career, and Cousins, who will be 36 by the start of next season, will be coming off a typically devastating injury and isn’t under contract beyond this season.
Penix has been a popular choice for the Vikings amongst NFL draft analysts, with Rodgers saying that head coach Kevin O’Connell “will maximize the premium arm talent Penix brings to the table.”
What’s really interesting with this pick, beyond the Vikings still being in position to grab a quarterback despite being in the thick of a playoff race, is that Rogers points out that this pick could still be in play even if the Vikings choose to bring Dobbs back next season.
The fact that Dobbs was singled out here and not Cousins suggests Rodgers still believes that Cousins won’t be back in Minnesota in 2024 — or that he won’t recover from the Achilles injury in a timeframe that would make much difference to the season and the team’s draft plans.
We’re still many months away from the NFL draft and a lot more will change along the way, but the picture for the Vikings has gotten interesting to say the least.
