Vikings are expected to draft a quarterback in the second round per ESPN NFL Draft analyst
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Minnesota Vikings may select the likely successor to seasoned quarterback in the second round of the NFL Draft.
FARGO: The probable successor apparent to seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to be selected by the Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller.
On Monday, February 5, Miller released a mock draft that included predictions for the first two rounds. In the second round, Miller projects the Vikings to choose Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 42 overall.
With four season-ending injuries during his Indiana days, Penix Jr. is probably going to make it to the second round, according to Miller.
“Penix has excellent arm strength and velocity, and as a pure passer, he’s a first-rounder,” Miller stated. “In 2023, he nearly reached 5,000 yards passing and assisted in leading Washington to the national championship game. However, those doubts about his endurance and injuries drive him to the Vikings.”
The NFL Draft is set to take place in Detroit, Michigan, on April 25–27.
Penix assisted in guiding the Huskies to the national championship game of the College Football Playoffs, where they were defeated by Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines. In 15 games this past autumn, during his sixth collegiate season, the 6-foot-3, 213-pound Penix completed 65% of his throws for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
After recovering from an Achilles injury, Cousins, who will turn 36 at the beginning of the upcoming NFL season, is a free agent in need of a new contract.
“It’s great news for Minnesota, where Kirk Cousins is set to become a 35-year-old free agent coming off an Achilles injury,” Miller stated. “Penix can be the quarterback-in-waiting if Cousins is re-signed, or the immediate starter if he is not.”
Miller has the Vikings acquiring an edge rusher to their front seven in the first round. Dallas Turner, a linebacker for Alabama, is slated to be selected by Minnesota at No. 11 overall. This past season, in 14 games, the 6-foot-4, 252-pound Turner led the Crimson Tide with 11 sacks.
Miller stated that Turner is a wonderful fit in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme, but added that the Vikings might take a look at Oregon QB Bo Nix, Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, and Penix in the first round.
“One NFC area scout thinks his ceiling is higher than former college teammate Will Anderson Jr., who went No. 3 in last year’s draft,” Miller stated. “Turner is a space-racing machine who can be compared to Josh Allen of the Jaguars.” This late in the evening, he’s my best-ranked defender in the class and would be a steal.”
Danielle Hunter, a 29-year-old defensive end with the Minnesota Vikings, achieved a career high with 16.5 sacks the previous season, but like Cousins, Hunter will also be a free agency.
Leave a Reply