Another day, another mock draft with a quarterback going to the Minnesota Vikings. Yesterday Trevor Sikkema of PFF had the Vikings taking J.J. McCarthy, today it’s Ryan Fowler with The Draft Network mocking Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to Minnesota. Using the Super Bowl odds as they stood at the beginning of Week 4, Grant has the Vikings taking the talented thrower with the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It seems unlikely that current Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is going to be back with the team in 2024, so the position is likely to be a popular one with mock drafts — and for good reason. This year’s class seems like a strong one, and if Cousins isn’t going to be in purple next season, it’s an obvious need. The pieces are there for success on offense, but not having a competent quarterback is the quickest way to sink any potential.
Buy Vikings TicketsThe Penix pick makes a lot of sense from a talent perspective. As Fowler points out in his summary, Penix is “arguably the best pure passer in the class” and “would fit seamlessly into Kevin O’Connell’s high-octane attack”. A strong-armed passer is exactly what this offense needs to make use of the weapons they have outside in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
But the pick isn’t without its drawbacks, as well. Even beyond the uncertainty that is every pick in the NFL Draft, there are significant injury concerns at play with Penix, too. Before his transfer to Washington, Penix suffered season-ending injuries in each of his three seasons at Indiana.
What do you think: Which quarterback would you rather have, McCarthy or Penix?
