Breaking; Vikings Poised to Settle on $10 Million QB, Draft Dominant Pass Rusher
The Minnesota Vikings are considering trading up in the draft to secure a quarterback among the top-five picks. However, if this plan does not come through, they have an alternate strategy for 2024 featuring Sam Darnold as their backup option.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Vikings had a meeting with Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II during his pro day and are now open to considering him as their No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
According to Pauline, there were rumors that the Vikings planned on drafting Murphy in the 11th pick of Round 1 during the Shrine Bowl. However, their attention has now turned towards selecting a quarterback. Nevertheless, based on their behavior at pro day, it seems as though Murphy is still considered as a backup option if they cannot get any quarterbacks with the 11th pick.
The sole choice left would be choosing a quarterback using the No. 23 overall pick, obtained via trade with the Houston Texans or sticking with Darnold as the first-choice player for the upcoming 2024 season.
Despite potentially choosing a fringe first-round quarterback such as Michael Penix or Bo Nix with the 23rd pick, the Vikings will face more difficulty in pushing for them to become Day 1 starters behind Darnold due to their lower draft status.
In order to acquire the Texans’ first-round pick, the Vikings gave up their 2024 and 2025 second-round picks. As a result of this trade, they are without any selections in either the second or third rounds of the upcoming draft.
The Vikings are reluctant to select any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Vikings considering their choices in the initial round suggests that they are particular about selecting a quarterback from the draft, rather than settling for anyone.
Although the advantages of having a quarterback on a first-time pro contract have been extensively discussed, the Vikings’ goal is to secure a quarterback for not only five years, but rather for the next 10 years.
Back in December, Ben Goessling from the Star Tribune considered the possibility of the Vikings choosing a highly desirable prospect. However, their recent acquisition of another first-round pick strongly suggests that they are aiming to move up in position – and perhaps already have a concrete plan for doing so.
At this time last year, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye were already on their minds. According to Goessling during a December 28 episode of the Star Tribune’s “Access Vikings,” there has been significant effort in developing these rookie quarterbacks within the building over the fall season. In terms of draft position, if it meant securing one of these players among the top five or even two or three picks, that wouldn’t stop them from pursuing either candidate.
Goessling added that he strongly believes, given their actions last year and the rumors he’s heard, they won’t let anything stand in their way of acquiring a player who could be influential for the next two decades.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah confirmed Goessling’s statement by revealing that there is indeed a “preferred plan” with the additional first-rounder, but he emphasized that the transaction ultimately provides them with greater flexibility.
Their plan for flexibility also includes Darnold, who inked a $10 million one-year deal in March.
The No. 11 Pick is Worthy of Byron Murphy
Although the Vikings not choosing a quarterback could cause excitement among fans, Murphy is a feasible selection with the eleventh overall pick.
Ranked at number 9 on the Pro Football Focus (PFF) draft big board, Murphy earned a remarkable PFF grade of 91.1 last season and was recognized as the second-best graded interior defensive lineman in the nation.
Murphy’s powerful and speedy skills proved formidable against Power 5 opponents, making him one of the most impressive interior rushers to emerge from college in the last five years.
