5 Predictions for Vikings Rookie QB from Draft
Dustin Baker
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Please Note: This article originally appeared on our flagship site VikingsTerritory.com.
VikingsTerritory and PPTSD writers were asked to provide one prediction apiece for the Minnesota Vikings draft preference at quarterback in April.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah converted a meaty chunk of Kirk Cousins’ current contract to 2024+ dead cap this week, avoiding an extension and possibly signaling the end of the Cousins Era in Minnesota. For now, 2023 is the final year of his contract.
Therefore, the Vikings should probably draft a quarterback somewhere in April’s draft. These are realistic predictions for that possibility.
The Vikings Need a QB in the Draft — 5 Predictions
Some predictions will double up as the panel did not use groupthink tactics during the exercise. In those circumstances, consider the forecast all the more popular.
1. Hendon Hooker (Tennessee)
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The Vikings will choose Cousins’ successor on Day No.2 of the draft and pick Hendon Hooker out of Tennessee. In his last couple of college seasons, Hooker passed for 58 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. He adds the athleticism that Cousins lacks and has over 2,000 rushing yards and 25 career rushing touchdowns.
2. Tanner McKee (Stanford)
Prediction Maker = Adam New
With no extension for Kirk Cousins, Minnesota drives the part of the Vikings fanbase mad that desperately calls for the “new-fangled” athletic quarterback by drafting Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
CJ Stroud and Bryce Young appear out of reach, so rather than getting aggressive and going after Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, the Vikings go for a more immediate need in the first round — e.g., wide receiver.
McKee has the size and arm to be a very good pocket passer. Having spent two years in Brazil on a Latter Day Saints mission, his college career was delayed. He needs time to develop and will have one season to try and show he is ready. If the signs aren’t good, chalk him up as the latest Kellen Mond and look to the draft again in 2024.
3. Jaren Hall (BYU)
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Well, I’ll say that it’s still possible for Cousins to get extended. Is it more unlikely now? Certainly, but that doesn’t mean the possibility has gone. As several have pointed out, tacking on a couple more void years makes an extension easier to manage if both sides agree that’s the best route. Though my original guess looks unlikely, I’ll keep doubling down: Kirk’s purple career is closer to middle age than senior.
Nevertheless, the broader question is a good one. Drafting a QB seems likely, but I don’t think it’ll happen super high. Instead, they lean toward an upside prospect later in the draft. Put me down for Jaren Hall out of BYU. The little bit I gleaned from The Draft Network says we should remember his name once the draft arrives.
t4. Will Levis (Kentucky)
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
The Vikings go after Will Levis in the draft. I’ve heard enough different people mention his name in the past month, and it’s no secret that Kevin O’Connell is a fan of Levis’ game.
If Levis begins to fall past the 10th spot in the draft, don’t be surprised if the Vikings trade up for their guy, allowing him to sit behind Kirk for the 2023 season.
t4. Will Levis (Kentucky)
Prediction Maker = Mitch Massman
Drafting a QB is always an option for the Vikings. However, there is not one prospect I feel confident will be a standout in their first year, so we are looking at a development year.
The one prospect I like to fall far enough down is Will Levis. Kevin O’Connell has ties to Kentucky, and Levis is not quite polished enough to go to a team that needs a starting QB in 2023. He is the guy to watch for the Vikings.
t5. Clayton Tune (Houston)
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
Clayton Tune out of Houston is the player I’ve had an eye on for months.
He could have done better at the Senior Bowl, but he checks a lot of the boxes for a modern-day QB as a passer, plus obvious mobility. If he is available in the third or fourth round, it would make sense for the Vikings to take a shot.
t5. Clayton Tune (Houston)
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Clayton Tune feels like the only non-1st-Round passer from the 2023 NFL Draft who a) Isn’t crazy old for a rookie QB b) Shows glimpses of NFL game-readiness. Hendon Hooker or Stetson Bennett might “be ready” in 2023 or 2024, but they’re unusually old, and it would feel undesirable for the Vikings to finally try the rookie-QB strategy with an oldhead.
The Houston product will take time to develop, but with Cousins under contract in 2023, Tune isn’t needed at all next year.
The Vikings marry both worlds — drafting a rookie quarterback + a teensy draft capital budget — with Tune somewhere in Rounds 4-7.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.