The Minnesota Vikings have their work cut out for them this offseason when it comes to upgrading the roster. There are a number of needs the team needs to address and not much money available, which will lead to some difficult decisions to be made.
Arguably the biggest decision they have will come at the quarterback position. Kirk Cousins, who has been the team’s starter for the last six seasons, tore his Achilles in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. In addition to that, he is hitting free agency and the Vikings cannot use the franchise tag on him.
It is clear the team has a need under center, especially if Cousins isn’t re-signed. Joshua Dobbs, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall were unable to step up and keep the team afloat, which could lead to a new player being added to the roster this offseason.
NFL News & Rumors: Bo Nix, 2024 NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings Updates
Given their salary cap restraints, a higher upside rookie quarterback could be the kind of player they target. Who could fit that bill in the 2024 NFL Draft? Former Pro Football Focus lead analyst Eric Eager suggested the team take a shot on Bo Nix out of Oregon.
The suggestion of nabbing Nix is two fold. Not only does Eager believe it would be worthwhile to add a rookie quarterback, but the Vikings could be able to trade back and still be in a position to select him. It would enable them to continue building up their draft capital, giving them multiple chances to bring in affordable, young talent.
“I would punt on getting one of the truly elite guys this year and build up the war chest for the next few years,” Eager, who is now with Sumer Sports, said on the “Purple Insider” podcast on January 15. “You have Jaren Hall. You also have Kevin O’Connell who has cut his teeth in the NFL developing quarterbacks. Don’t give up on Jaren Hall. Lean into the uncertainty… 11 and 44, make those two picks 17, 32, 52 and 60, and then take Bo Nix.”
This year’s quarterback class is considered one of the best in recent memory. Caleb Williams and Drake Maye are considered the top two prospects and could be the first two picks in the draft. Jayden Daniels is expected to be picked in the top 6 as well.
NFL News & Rumors: Bo Nix, 2024 NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings Updates
After that, you have Michael Penix Jr. and Nix who could sneak into the first round, too. Penix and Nix aren’t going to cost future draft capital to trade up and acquire, as the asking price to be in range for Williams and Maye is multiple first-round picks.
That is an ideal situation for the Vikings, who don’t have that kind of draft capital to surrender. They need to keep their selections and use them to build up the roster around a future quarterback, not throw a rookie into a situation devoid of talent.
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