Vikings reveal alternate quarterback plans for 2024 NFL Draft after holding private workout with top prospect
The Minnesota Vikings have not been shy about their 2024 NFL Draft plans this spring. They're going to be selecting a quarterback, and it's likely going to be very early. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O'Connell, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown have been present for private workouts or the pro days of most […]
The Minnesota Vikings have not been shy about their 2024 NFL Draft plans this spring. They're going to be selecting a quarterback, and it's likely going to be very early. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O'Connell, and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown have been present for private workouts or the pro days of most all likely first round QBs this spring. But one quarterback in particular looks like he may be the team's alternate plan if Minnesota can't make a move up on draft day.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Vikings not only flew 2000 miles across the country to see Michael Penix Jr. in-person at his pro day, but also held a private workout with him while out in Seattle.
Throughout the NFL Draft process Michael Penix Jr. has mostly been considered a late first round to early second round pick with the occasional mock draft inserting him into early first round discussions. However, since J.J. McCarthy's draft capital expectations have been rising immensely over the past several weeks Penix has risen quickly behind him.
So many teams in the first half of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft need a quarterback, but there are only so many to go around. The Bears will almost assuredly be selecting Caleb Williams (USC). The Commanders have been tipping their hand towards Jayden Daniels (LSU). The Patriots, Giants, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders have made it clear this draft season that they're in the mix for quarterback as well.
If the Vikings cannot execute a trade ahead of the Giants there's a real chance that Williams, Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy are all gone by the time Minnesota is on the clock. If that happens, Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would be the next logical quarterback targets for them. However, it has been over a month since Nix has been seriously tied to the Vikings, so Penix seems like the clear alternate. But why is that?
Penix Jr. just posted back to back 90th percentile (or better) scheme adjusted pass efficiency seasons, posted an 8% pressure to sack rate (beyond elite), ran a 4.5-second forty at the Washington Pro Day, and just led the Washington Huskies to the national championship game.
It's true, he is an older prospect, and he did suffer four season-ending injuries prior to his transfer to Washington, but his experience, leadership, and success in executing a system quite similar to Minnesota's makes him a great fit. Expect the Vikings to be ready to draft Michael Penix Jr. as their alternate (to J.J. McCarthy) if they can't trade up for their guy.
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