Rumors have been swirling that the Minnesota Vikings have been gearing up to make a move up the draft boards targeting UNC Quarterback Drake Maye who is currently ranked as the second-best quarterback prospect in this year's draft according to PFF. Many believe that the Vikings are targeting Maye after the hiring of Quarterback Coach Josh Mccowan who was one of Maye’s coaches in Highschool. While the connection angle is valid and could very well be the indicator that the Vikings are all-in on the big UNC Quarterback, I offer you a different angle.
To recap, the 2023 season did not turn out to be the season the Vikings envisioned when it began. They ended their season with a 9-6 record, finishing third in the NFC North, and without a playoff berth. To be fair, Kirk Cousins tore his ACL in Week 8 in route to a win over their division rival in the Green Bay Packers and star receiver Justin Jefferson also missed significant time battling a hamstring injury; although, the latter, led to an increase in production for rookie receiver Jordan Addison who ended the 2023 season as the teams leader in Touchdown Receptions and helped cement that the Vikings do in fact have two star receivers on their starting roster. However, with the departure of Kirk Cousins early in free agency, going to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are left with quite a significant hole to fill. Because Cousins did not play a full season in 2023, we compare his 2022 season to the season of the NFL Prospect that I believe the Vikings might actually be targeting and , to be honest, it would make the most sense if they are looking to challenge the Detroit Lions for the NFC North Division this coming season.
In 2022, Cousins racked up 424 completed passes, 4,547 passing yards, 29 Passing TDs and ended the season with a completion percentage of 65.9% and led the Vikings to the Playoffs, losing to the New York Giants in the Wildcard Round. While his stats point to a successful season overall, it didn't come without its woes. Cousins ended the regular season with 14 interceptions, and he was sacked a whopping 46 times in the 2022 season, tying Chicago’s Justin Field for third most in the NFL( ProFootballNetwork).
Who could the Vikings be selecting to replace Cousins and be the new face of their franchise?
Michael Penix Jr., that’s who,
What IF, if the Vikings DIDNT add to their round one picks to move up to pick Drake Maye, what if they added to their round one picks to ensure they get their QB in MPJ and an OT to bolster their line and keep him protected and upright?
Penix also just had a stellar Pro-Day that clearly set himself equal amongst the other top four quarterbacks set to go in the first round of this year draft. In his final collegiate season, MPJ racked up 4,903 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 363 completions and ended his season with a completion percentage of 65.4% He has also been donned the best precision passer, with premier deep ball accuracy, in this year’s draft. Very similar to cousin’s 2022 season.
So why would the Vikings choose Penix over the other prospects like Drake Maye and J.J. Mccarthy?
He is the most accurate passer in this draft class. He throws with precision and can be leaned on to take over the came when needed.
He is experienced and a Bonafide leader.
He can do the one thing Kirk Cousins was not good at, with his mobility he is able to evade sacks should protection break-down or his offensive line become marred by injury. Posting a sub 4.6 on his pro-day further validates his ability to move when necessary.
The Vikings basically have a ready-made offense that is only lacking a premier passer and a good running back to make a push for the title.
Grabbing a young quarterback that might require some time & patience to start, meaning Sam Darnold is your starter for the 2024 season, doesn't seem like the best way to maximize the current talent on the roster.
They have also have already been linked to Washington’s Troy Fautanu. The Washington tackle is considered a plug-and-play in the NFL and has obvious ties to MPJ as they both played for the University of Washington.
If I’m the Minnestoa Vikings and I have aspirations of challenging the Detroit Lions for the Division Title and hopes of going on a deep run in the 2024 Playoffs, I am selecting Michael Penix 11th overall and pairing him with Troy Fautanu 23rd overall. With a healthy offensive line, a precision passer, elite wide receivers, add a 3rd or 4th round running back, like Jaylen Wright or Blake Corum, to that squad and the Detroit Lions might have some serious competition for the NFC North division title entering the 2024 season.