The Vikings have never drafted a quarterback higher than No. 11 in the draft. Tonight, can't they draft a quarterback at all?
Yes, we all assumed for weeks that the Vikings would land a top-tier quarterback, following the defection of Kirk Cousins. But it's not crazy to think the Vikings won't trade for a quarterback, given how often teams holding higher picks put a thumb or two on the scale. Even if there is a guy that coach Kevin O'Connell considers “the guy,” the front office may not be willing to pay “the price” to get him.
Then, if the Vikings don't advance and remain at No. 11, O'Connell may not consider any of the options available at that point to be “the guy.” So, if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wants one of the remaining quarterbacks there, O'Connell might say, “I think we're better off with Sam Darnold this year.”
Let's not forget they have Darnold. He failed with the Jets (who hasn't?) and Carolina was dysfunctional. The 49ers liked him, and a lot of people who know how to coach quarterbacks trust him.
For the Vikings, the best option might be to ride with whoever they have and use the 11th and 23rd picks on players with other options. If that happens, it will be a surprise. But that wouldn't be a sign of madness.
