Vikings are being urged to replace Kirk Cousins with the Heisman Trophy winner.
The Minnesota Vikings are now in the middle of the NFC playoff chase as the 2023 season continues to progress. Nonetheless, it’s never too early to speculate on how the future might pan out. And the NFL draft is the biggest wager on the future.
There are a ton of quarterback prospects in the draft next year. One of them might wind up being the quarterback for the Vikings in the future.
According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, LSU’s Jayden Daniels should be that potential.
On December 12, Sikkema stated, “If we’re being honest, even hoping for Daniels to be available at No. 21 in the draft feels unrealistic at this point.” “That being said, the selection remains valid as Daniels ought to be considered a possibility for the Vikings, regardless of where they draft him.”
Sikkema stated, “The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner’s season has been nothing short of sensational.” “With 29 big-time throws and 35 completions of 20 yards or more, he has earned a 91.9 passing mark. Though the LSU signal-caller also has 1,200 rushing yards and a 91.8 rushing grade, that’s outstanding by anyone’s standards.
For the Tigers this season, Daniels completed 72.2% of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
On his way to winning the coveted accolade, he ran for an additional 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Daniels completed 70.2% of his throws for 6,725 yards with 57 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his two seasons as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. Compared to his three seasons at Arizona State, when he completed 62.4% of passes for 6025 yards and 32 touchdowns, that is a substantial improvement.
Vikings’ Battle-Tested Draft Pick is Jayden Daniels
Daniels gave an explanation of his choice to transfer to LSU, a talent pool the Vikings had previously successfully used, as well as his response to being humiliated on camera by his former Sun Devil teammates as he was emptying his old locker.
According to Daniels’ April statement, “I came here for my future and my career,” Sam Marsdale of 247 Sports reported. It’s a new beginning. Arizona State experienced what transpired with the video. Since football isn’t my thing, I still talk to those people and have a lot of affection for them at the end of the day. I shall never offer prayers for their demise.
Daniels also mentioned how much he loved his coaches, who are now gone.
Daniels told 247Sports, “My time at Arizona State was always enjoyable.” “But I get to show off my talent on a national platform here at LSU. Many individuals at home are unable to watch our games.
Daniels stated at the time, “Coming here and competing at the highest level with all these weapons here and all these resources, it’s really intriguing for me.”
This season, it paid off. He significantly improved his draft stock, moving up to a pick in the top-20, if not higher, on Sikkema’s mock draft in September after not being selected in the first round. If selecting a quarterback was part of the Vikings’ draft plans, it might cause problems.
Vikings’ Quarterback Plans Are Still Uncertain
Minnesota is now selected No. 22 overall after the Vikings’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14 and the Indianapolis Colts’ defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. There are four games remaining, therefore every week will matter greatly. And their main priority is the Vikings’ postseason run. Daniels, though, would be a strong choice if they wish to move up and be aggressive.
However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed on November 4 that they intend to bring the 35-year-old Cousins back for the upcoming campaign.
That might be a sign they won’t be selecting a quarterback in the first round.
