The Minnesota Vikings are in the next round of their draft preparations, with 30 visits scheduled for quarterbacks and other top prospects throughout the league.
Minnesota’s contingent changed noticeably on their first trip.
“The #Vikings flew out their whole staff for a private workout with Michael Penix Jr. in Seattle, including HC Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, sources say,” Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported on April 4.
“I’m told Penix has a top 30 with the #Raiders today, who currently hold the 13th pick in the draft.”
For the Vikings, this is their most notable group yet, and it could reveal their draft strategy if they fail to find a trade up to land their future quarterback. Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown was the most visible figure at the numerous pro days.
Penix has set numerous Washington Huskies and NCAA records during the last two seasons.
A slew of injuries, including two ACL tears in his right knee and season-ending injuries to both shoulders while with the Hoosiers, have hampered his draft prospects. Former NFL quarterback Jim Miller would choose Penix over J.J. McCarthy “out of sheer talent.”
He also has plenty of starting experience, having played six seasons at the NCAA level with Washington and Indiana.
“(Penix) locates passing lanes. He’s sneaky. “He has quick feet to relocate,” Miller told 9News’ Mike Klis on March 31. “Even in the Senior Bowl, he’d flick his wrist and his ball went out in an instant. It took the receivers by surprise. He does not get fired. He works rapidly and can discover the open guy.”
That might lower Penix’s draft stock. However, it has the potential to benefit the Vikings.
The Vikings have picks 11 and 23, which they acquired from the Houston Texans in a trade. That puts them in a position to beat out the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders for Penix, though either team could trade up in the draft to get him or another talent.
The Raiders have Aidan O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and Gardner Minshew, a 2024 free agent signee, under contract.
Denver’s current top quarterbacks are Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.
The Vikings appear to be avoiding overpaying to position themselves for a top quarterback prospect, with O’Connell doubling down on his support for Sam Darnold.
“I’ve known Sam for a long time and highly regarded him when he graduated from USC. “He’s always had the physical characteristics, the makeup to be a successful NFL quarterback,” O’Connell said on SiriusXM’s “NFL Radio” on April 2. “What often happens on an NFL quarterback’s career is that you can only control certain aspects. You only have influence over certain components of your situation.
“In this league, we often create views about quarterbacks very rapidly. Guys can or can’t play.
“It’s not always fair.
O’Connell praised Darnold for continuing to progress despite his difficult trip through the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers. He also cited the Vikings’ supporting cast and his scheme as reasons to believe in Darnold.
