The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL as the draft draws closer and closer. With two first round picks (11 and 23 overall), the Vikings have the potential to trade up for one of the top quarterbacks in the class or take premium talent at other positions.
The tricky thing about this draft for Minnesota is that they have no picks in the second or third rounds. Essentially, they need to get the first round right and hit on several of their day three picks in order for this draft to be a successful.
Of course, the best way to ensure that any draft is successful is to select a franchise quarterback who turns out to be as good as expected. With Kirk Cousins now with the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are certainly in the market for a dynamic young quarterback, and one NFL analyst believes they are the perfect fit for one of this year’s most dynamic young arms.
The Minnesota Vikings Named “Best Fit” for LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels
One of the best quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft is Jayden Daniels out of LSU. While Caleb Williams is expected to be taken first overall by the Chicago Bears, many believe that Daniels could be drafted as high as second overall by the Washington Commanders.
As mentioned previously, the Vikings have the 11th and 23rd overall picks in the first round. While it is likely Daniels will be gone by the 11th selection, having two first round picks does present Minnesota with the ability to move up in the draft if they so choose.
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report believes they should do just that because, according to him, they are the best landing spot for Daniels among all NFL teams:
In a perfect world, the Bears grab Caleb Williams, Washington takes Drake Maye and Minnesota is able to trade up (most likely to No. 3) to grab Jayden Daniels.
The LSU product’s dynamic playmaking ability and vertical accuracy would jigsaw nicely into Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Working within an offensive unit headlined by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson presents an immediate chance for Daniels to succeed as his game evolves.
The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels could add a dynamic play-making ability to the Vikings offense, one that has lacked a consistent mobile quarterback for some time. While Cousins was a Pro Bowl quarterback during his tenure with Minnesota, he was not as mobile as Daniels is and will be in the NFL. A combination of Daniels with the Vikings’ pass catchers could be a dynamic force for years to come.
Will the Minnesota Vikings Be Able to Trade Up for Jayden Daniels?
As mentioned previously, Daniels is projected to be drafted as high as second overall. However, as the video above states, both Daniels and his agent are incredibly frustrated and unhappy with the Washington Commanders and how they conducted their top 30 visit. Daniels thought it was going to be a one-on-one meeting. Instead, he was there with a large group of perspective draft picks.
Daniels’ disappointment in the Commanders’ meeting process has led him to reveal that he does not have any desire to play for Washington. He has not said he will refuse to play if drafted by them, but it does make one wonder if the Commanders may now look to trade down.
If they do, the Vikings will be one of the first ones lining up to get a trade done.
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