ESPN Lists the Vikings as One of 12 Teams to Draft a QB
Josh Frey
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Throughout this draft process, the quarterback position has been one of hot debate for the Minnesota Vikings. Should they trade up for a QB? Should they take one at No. 23? Or should they wait until later on and draft one of the mid-round prospects at the position?
With Kirk Cousins entering the final year of his contract, it makes sense for the Vikings to draft a QB at some point, but asking the question of when exactly they should pursue one of these quarterback prospects is valid.
That is part of a question that ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller attempted to answer on Thursday morning. In their joint article, they gave hypotheses for which NFL teams will draft quarterbacks next weekend, the picks that will be used, and the precise prospect that will be selected.
The duo listed the Vikings as one of 12 teams to draft a quarterback this spring, but they have fans sitting on their hands for quite some time waiting for that selection. The selection comes in the fourth round with the 119th overall pick, and with that pick, Minnesota takes Dorian Thompson-Robinson out of UCLA.
The UCLA QB is one of the most experienced QBs in college football, attempting 1359 passes over his five years as a starter for the Bruins. However, on top of that passing, he was also a prolific runner for UCLA’s offense under head coach Chip Kelly. In both 2021 and 2022, he surpassed 600 rushing yards, and his 12 rushing TDs in 2022 ranked fifth in the PAC-12. Here is what Reid had to say of the Vikings selection of Thompson-Robinson in this spot:
The Vikings have been adamant about keeping their options open with Cousins on an expiring deal. They have shown interest in Thompson-Robinson, an intriguing Day 3 option who would be a fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Beyond the great arm and rushing ability, his anticipation in the intermediate areas and scheme versatility as a passer stand out. Heading into last season, DTR was inconsistent playing within the framework of the offense and didn’t always make good decisions with the football, but he had a breakout final year with the Bruins. With big paydays coming for Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and eventually Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings could take advantage of a quarterback on a rookie deal.
It’s certainly true that the Vikings could benefit from a young QB on a rookie deal more than most at this point in time with how much money they are set to owe some of their other offensive stars in coming years.
On top of that, though, the fact that Minnesota has so many established stars on that side of the ball makes them one of the better suited groups to develop a young QB. If the Vikings pass on one of the top QBs in this draft, DTR is certainly a prospect to keep an eye on later on in Day 2 and early in Day 3.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.