PFN Mock Draft has Minnesota Vikings Trading Way Up for QB of the Future

With the NFL Draft looming, the Minnesota Vikings face significant decisions ahead. While some speculate they might target a quarterback, there’s also a need for key additions on the defensive side of the ball.

Related: 1st Round QB Hopefuls are Working Hard to Impress Vikings at Senior Bowl

Amongst the uncertainty, the biggest question revolves around Kirk Cousins future with the Vikings next season, and the quarterback position, with only speculation circulating at the moment. Recently, Pro Football Network, a well known site, unveiled a mock draft crafted by one of their insiders, projecting the Vikings to make a splash in the draft.

Minnesota Vikings Trade Up to Draft Jayden Daniels (LSU)

If the Vikings do get aggressive and decide to trade up from No. 11, come April, they’ll be targeting a quarterback. In NFL Draft expert Will Helms’ (Pro Football Network) most recent mock draft, he calls for the Minnesota Vikings to do just that.

Sources are telling Helms that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wants to get aggressive so he calls for the Vikings GM to cut a deal with the Washington Commanders, moving them all the way up to No. 2, where they take their quarterback of the future, Jayden Daniels.

• Vikings Receive: No. 2 overall pick (’24)
• Commanders Receive: 11th, 42nd, and 155th overall picks (’24) | 1st-round and 3rd-round picks (’25)

“With Williams off the board, we’ll throw another change into the order of the top three quarterbacks. Rather than having the Commanders take Maye to replace fellow Tar Heel Sam Howell, we’ll have them trade down and ride with the incumbent starter for one more year — depending on how the board falls later.

Again, mock drafts are a game of information. Sources expect the Vikings to be aggressive in the draft in their search for a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal.

Jayden Daniels can make every throw and has elite athleticism. If the Vikings put a guy with his upside in an offense with Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, they’ll have the chance to contend for a Super Bowl if the LSU quarterback reaches his potential.”

Will Helms – Pro Football Network

Related: NFL Insider Predicts Kirk Cousins Gets $85 Million from Vikings & Kwesi Drafts QB of the Future

What To Know About Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels competed in college for both Arizona State and LSU, where he achieved notable success, including the Heisman Trophy, along with numerous other accolades from 2023. In total last season, he passed for 3,800 yards and 40 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Daniels dual threat abilities played a pivotal role in his Heisman victory, making him challenging for defenses to contain. It’s also worth noting that he competed in the highly regarded SEC, widely known as the premier conference in college football.

The Senior Bowl is underway this week, with most of the top rated quarterbacks in attendance. Surprisingly, Daniels is not among them. This absence could potentially have a significant impact for the Vikings, who are actively scouting other players and quarterbacks at the event.

Being able to observe prospects up close and evaluate their performance firsthand may sway the Vikings decision. However, it’s worth noting that Daniels exceptional senior season at LSU already speaks volumes about his capabilities, leaving little left for him to prove.