Vikings Pass on Second QB Tier to Take CB in Mock Draft

Despite having the 11th overall pick, their highest selection in nearly a decade, the Minnesota Vikings face challenges in securing their quarterback of the future in this year’s draft. The top three quarterbacks, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, are likely to go in the first three picks. The Vikings would need to make a compelling offer to move up and select one of these quarterbacks, considering the draft positions of the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots.

If the top-tier quarterbacks are off the table, the Vikings may need to consider the second tier, which includes J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix. However, these players are typically discussed as borderline first-rounders rather than top-ten picks. In ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s initial mock draft, the top three quarterbacks are taken with the first three picks. With the 11th pick, Kiper predicts the Vikings will pass on the second-tier quarterbacks and select cornerback Nate Wiggins from Clemson.

Wiggins, a 6’2″ corner, had an impressive 2023 season, allowing just 4.2 yards per attempt as the nearest defender in coverage. He recorded three interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns, 19 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and three tackles for loss over the last two seasons. Although questions about his physicality may arise, Wiggins, who doesn’t turn 21 until August, possesses significant athleticism and playmaking ability.

The Vikings’ need for a shutdown outside cornerback is evident, given their ranking of 28th in passing yards allowed to receivers last season. Considering these factors, Kiper suggests that Wiggins could potentially fill the void left since Xavier Rhodes was in his prime.

While there’s a possibility the Vikings could select a quarterback, the uncertainty surrounding Kirk Cousins’ free agency and the potential long-term viability of rookie fifth-rounder Jaren Hall make focusing on a defensive starter a more logical choice at this point. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s plans may influence the final decision. Other options on the board include edge rushers Laiatu Latu and Jared Verse, cornerback Terrion Arnold, Cooper DeJean, defensive tackles Byron Murphy II and Jer’Zhan Newton, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is selected by the Seahawks at 16 in Kiper’s mock draft.