If the Vikings Don’t Land a First Round QB, One Prospect Could Be on Their Radar Later On
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings are widely expected to target a quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, what if they are unable to get the prospect that they want in the first round? There are many QB-needy teams that will compete with Minnesota to land the first round QB prospects, so it certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
If the Vikings’ QB needs were to extend into the second day of the draft, Michael Pratt is a name that should be on Minnesota’s radar. Today’s edition of the Vikings Draft Thermometer will discuss his skillset and how he can translate to the NFL level.
Overview
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 216 pounds
- Arm Length: 30 1/2″
- Hand Size: 9″
- Wingspan: 77″
- 40-Yard Dash: TBD
- School: Tulane
- Games Watched: USC (2022), Memphis (2023), North Texas (2023), SMU (2023)
Michael Pratt came out of high school as a three-star recruit according to 247 Sports. He was the 82nd-highest rated QB in the Class of 2020, thus placing him a bit under the radar for most of the top programs in college football, and he committed to the Tulane Green Wave.
Despite being a bit of an overlooked recruit, Pratt impressed enough to almost immediately jump into Tulane’s starting lineup during his freshman season. He earned his first start in Week 6 and held it from then until the conclusion of his senior season.
Over the course of his career, Pratt made significant improvements in terms of his ability to process defenses and deliver accurate passes, with his completion percentage improving in each year of his collegiate career. Pratt was named the AAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, and now, he is hoping his performances in college and throughout the upcoming spring can land him near the top of the QB class in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Statistics
Passing
- 2020: 140/254 (55.1%), 1806 yards, 20 TDs, 8 INTs (10 games)
- 2021: 190/329 (57.8%), 2390 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs (12 games)
- 2022: 215/338 (63.6%), 3009 yards, 27 TDs, 5 INTs (13 games)
- 2023: 185/283 (65.4%), 2406 yards, 22 TDs, 5 INTs (11 games)
Rushing
- 2020: 90 carries, 439 yards, 8 TDs, 4 fumbles (10 games)
- 2021: 78 carries, 318 yards, 5 TDs, 5 fumbles (12 games)
- 2022: 112 carries, 596 yards, 10 TDs, 6 fumbles (13 games)
- 2023: 97 carries, 348 yards, 5 TDs, 6 fumbles (11 games)
Strengths
Pratt is a very sturdy player at the quarterback position, and he isn’t fazed by pressure. He gets the ball out quickly and processes defenses well. He has been starting for four seasons at Tulane, so despite being only 22 years old, Pratt has the experience of an older collegiate QB.
The Tulane QB also offers some semblance of athletic ability to move around the pocket and pick up yards with his legs. His frame and balance as a runner allows him to break through some tackles from smaller players as well. Pratt also has the ability to push balls downfield with strong velocity.
Weaknesses
While Pratt has done a great job of improving his accuracy on shorter passes, we are yet to see him really find a way to consistently hit his receivers downfield, particularly outside of the numbers. His accuracy and touch will need to improve to carve out a role for himself at the NFL level.
Pratt’s athletic ability worked in Tulane’s offense, but he could find some trouble against faster NFL defenders if protection breaks down around him. He maneuvers well, but he doesn’t have the great acceleration of a true dual-threat QB.
Finally, his internal clock needs to speed up. He took a few too many hits in college and late throws allowed defenders to get back into the receiving space and make plays on the ball.
NFL Projection
- Draft Stock: Third Round-Early Day 3
- Immediate Role: Developmental QB with starting potential later in career
- NFL Comp: Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Vikings Draft Thermometer: 25
Overall, Pratt is an intriguing NFL prospect because of extensive starting experience in college as well as the improvements that he made throughout his collegiate career. While he certainly shouldn’t be considered a contender for a starting role as a rookie, he has tools in place to eventually take on a starting role at the NFL level, and at the very least, be a very capable backup for many years. If the Vikings are unable to land a QB in the first round that they are intrigued by and bring back Kirk Cousins, Pratt could be an intriguing option.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via 247 Sports, Pro Football Focus and Sports Reference CFB.
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.