Vikings Set to Shake Up Draft with Pre-Draft Meetings Amid Trade Speculation.
As the 2024 draft looms closer, the Minnesota Vikings are emerging as a team to closely monitor, especially with their conspicuous interest in the upcoming quarterback prospects. This intrigue has been building for some time, even preceding Kirk Cousins’ departure to join the Atlanta Falcons during free agency.
The Vikings’ radar has not been limited to just one prospect; they’ve cast a wide net, expressing interest in multiple top talents of the quarterback class. Their upcoming pre-draft meeting has stirred curiosity, particularly catching the attention of NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
“Further developments on Jayden Daniels: The #Vikings have arranged a private session with the LSU standout and Heisman Trophy recipient, according to @Agentbutler1,” Rapoport tweeted on X, April 11.
Adding to the buzz, KTSP’s Darren Wolfson revealed that this meeting is scheduled for April 18 in Louisiana, indicating a strategic move by the Vikings to explore their quarterback options.
Initially planned for March, the meeting was postponed, fueling speculation that Daniels might be off the board before the Vikings’ turn to pick. This delay hints at a less certain outcome for Daniels than previously assumed.
More on Jayden Daniels, as the intrigue picks up: The #Vikings have now scheduled a private meeting with the LSU star and Heisman Trophy winner, per @Agentbutler1. 👀 https://t.co/5b45x7Ap9L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2024
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano’s report on February 10, there’s internal interest within the Vikings organization in pairing Daniels with fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson. With Jefferson’s contract extension looming, this potential pairing adds another layer of intrigue.
The timing of the Vikings’ meeting is noteworthy, coming after Daniels’ scheduled visit with the New York Giants, who possess the No. 6 overall pick and could potentially disrupt the Vikings’ quarterback plans.
In a recent media address, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized the collaborative decision-making process, heavily leaning on Head Coach Kevin O’Connell regarding the quarterback selection. Adofo-Mensah stressed the team’s openness to multiple quarterback prospects, highlighting a flexible approach given their circumstances.
He stated, “Kevin has been insistent about the gravity of selecting a quarterback—it’s a long-term commitment and requires meticulous evaluation. We’re enamored with several prospects, not fixated on any single one. We’re evaluating their potential impact within our team context.”
Daniels’ draft stock has soared during the pre-draft evaluation period, with many projecting him as the second quarterback off the board after Caleb Williams. However, the recent rise of Drake Maye as a contender for the top spot adds uncertainty to the draft landscape.
Despite expressing confidence in Sam Darnold’s abilities, the Vikings’ actions speak volumes about their quarterback room. Darnold’s signing on a one-year deal underscores the team’s reservations about Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall, both of whom struggled in relief of Cousins last season.
As the draft approaches, the Vikings’ strategic moves and interest in quarterback prospects signal a potential shake-up in their roster dynamics, leaving their quarterback situation far from settled.
Leave a Reply