The Vikings Zag in Daniel Jeremiah’s Latest Mock Draft by Taking a QB

Vikings Zag in Daniel Jeremiah's Latest Mock Draft by Taking a QB
Nov 5, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

So far into the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings largely have been predicted to take one of two positions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft: cornerback or wide receiver. However, in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, he has the Vikings zag by taking a quarterback. It isn’t one of the ‘big four’ of Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, or Bryce Young, either.

Instead, the Vikings make a very interesting decision by selecting Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker. Here is what Jeremiah had to say about the selection:

The Vikings have been doing their homework on this quarterback class. Hooker is well-liked around the league and he could sit for a year behind Kirk Cousins before taking over and ushering in a new era for Kevin O’Connell.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks for an open receiver during the NCAA college football game against Missouri on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Knoxville, Tenn. Ut Vs Missouri

It does seem like the Vikings are trending towards taking a quarterback at some point in this upcoming draft. Minnesota recently restructured Kirk Cousins contract to push a huge chunk of his 2023 cap hit into future void years. If he leaves the team in 2024, there will be $28.5 million of dead money that goes on the books. The best way to negate that money is by employing a starting QB on a rookie contract.

Vikings Zag
Oct 29, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) passes the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Hooker is certainly on the older side as a prospect after turning 25 in January. However, among the QBs below the top four in the class, this is a rather common theme. Jaren Hall will turn 25 this week, Jake Haener recently turned 24, and Clayton Tune will turn 24 later this month.

Additional concern with Hooker revolves around the torn ACL that he suffered back in November. While this may impact his ability to play early in the 2023 season, it should be less of a concern if the Vikings drafted him considering they wouldn’t need him to step in until 2024.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) walks off the field after Tennessee’s game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Kns Vols Georgia Bp

Overall, Hooker shows some promising signs as a prospect. His poise in the pocket has grown over the years, and his accuracy progressively got better in each collegiate season. In 2022, he completed 69% of his passes for 3135 yards, 27 TDs, and just 2 INTs over 11 games.

If the Vikings drafted Hooker in the first round, though, it shows that they are less committed to competing in 2023 than some may believe. Minnesota has clear needs elsewhere on the roster right now, but if they drafted Hooker or any other QB, they grab a player that likely won’t see the field at all this upcoming season. It feels like an unlikely path for Minnesota, but certainly not one that should be considered impossible.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. 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.

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