Kevin O’Connell Teases Vikings’ Top Quarterback Prospect for First Round Pick

The Minnesota Vikings are careful not to reveal their exact quarterback target for the NFL draft, but indications suggest a clear favorite is emerging. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, speaking at the NFL Owners’ Meeting in Orlando on Tuesday, March 26, outlined the team’s ideal qualities in a quarterback prospect.

According to O’Connell, accuracy remains paramount for any NFL quarterback. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of football intelligence and toughness, both mentally and physically, in overcoming adversity during plays, drives, or rough patches in a season.

Furthermore, O’Connell highlighted the significance of athletic abilities in impacting the game, alongside leadership qualities essential for the locker room dynamic. Ultimately, the Vikings aim to select a quarterback who can enhance their team and further bolster the strength of their locker room.

After analyzing O’Connell’s criteria for the ideal quarterback and assuming that Caleb Williams of USC will be chosen by the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall pick, the question arises: who will be the target for the Vikings?

Jayden Daniels of LSU stands out as the most athletically gifted among the remaining quarterbacks. His dynamic dual-threat abilities would complement Justin Jefferson, arguably the top wide receiver in the league. However, Daniels is expected to be selected second or third in the draft, following his impressive late-season performance and Heisman Trophy win.

Another compelling option for the Vikings is Drake Maye of UNC, especially given his connection with Josh McCown, the team’s new quarterbacks coach. Maye is projected to be picked within the range of Nos. 3-5, which might be the best opportunity for Minnesota to trade up.

Interestingly, O’Connell’s description aligns closely with J.J. McCarthy, the former Michigan quarterback and current national champion. McCarthy’s college coach, Jim Harbaugh, now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, has repeatedly praised him as the top signal-caller in the draft.

The Chargers might be open to trading the fifth overall pick, but Minnesota cannot guarantee securing one of the top four quarterback prospects at that spot.

Thus, targeting the third pick (New England Patriots) or fourth pick (Arizona Cardinals) appears to be the most viable and desirable option for the Vikings, especially considering their aggressive move to acquire a second first-round pick (No. 23) from the Houston Texans. This strategy reflects the team’s urgency to find a legitimate long-term replacement for Kirk Cousins.