The Vikings have been in constant trade rumors since former quarterback Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta in free agency. As of now, almost every mock draft has the Vikings trading up into the top five to grab Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. This is still a likely possibility but now reports have come out that the Vikings have a backup choice if they can’t find a trade partner.
Vikings Comfortable Taking Oregon Quarterback Bo Nix
According to a report from Yahoo Sports Charles Robinson the Vikings are comfortable with taking the five-year starter out of Oregon, Bo Nix. This comes as no shock as Kevin O’Connell sees quarterback as the biggest need and knows he needs to bring a competent starter in. Justin Jefferson rumors continue to heat up so getting a possible franchise quarterback is a necessity to keep Jefferson in Minnesota.
Nix has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL possessing the importance of improving year by year. He lost the confidence of Auburn before getting a second chance with Oregon. From then on he has gotten better every year and shown he has what it takes to be a winner. Nix has a lot of what teams see in McCarthy but age is the only huge difference. So this wouldn’t be much of a downgrade for the Vikings as they keep picks and get their franchise quarterback.
This news comes after the Vikings and Nix had a private workout in Oregon earlier this month. They must have grown quite fond of the Oregon star as he now has their attention. He could be taken with either the Vikings first rounders (Pick 11, and 23). If another team can trade up before the Vikings it seems likely that Nix will be starting for the Vikings next year.
Who Else Could The Vikings Target At Quarterback If They Cant Trade Up
Getting a quarterback to throw to Justin Jefferson is crucial so it’s highly unlikely that the Vikings leave the first round without a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. would be the only other option and he would be an intriguing fit. Penix loves to throw the ball deep and Jefferson would be in heaven with a guy like Penix who has possibly the best deep ball in the class. They could build a very strong connection if Penix ends up wearing Vikings’ purple.
In a very unlikely world where the Vikings don’t get a quarterback in the first round then they have some decent options. These guys wouldn’t be star picks but they provide some upside for a rebuilding Vikings team. Michael Pratt and Spencer Rattler could both end up being steals in the mid-rounds of the draft. Pratt is a game manager with a high football IQ who projects to be a high-end backup. Rattler is a very talented young prospect but lacks the traits to make him truly elite.
No matter what the Vikings do it sounds like they have a solid plan in place depending on how the board falls. They will do what it takes to move up but if they can’t find a dance partner then they will get Nix in the first round.
