And theres plenty of history of the 3rd or 4th qb taken in a talent filled draft being the prize.
Caleb is the closest since Andy Luck, to being a sure thing. After Williams? They are all dependent on where they land & how theyre developed. If Jayden Daniels lands in DC or NE. He will be tasked to develop under a defensive HC. For that matter, Caleb likely goes to the qb graveyard of soldier field. Would either develop better under KOC? Dont bank on it. Koc didnt do much with either Mond or Hall, and it appears, in the near term, he isnt ready to adapt his scheme to a spread qb's strengths.
I remain in the camp of- let the draft come to you. The Vikings can likely trade down- at least 1x if not twice. And still land Murphy, or Turner, or Barton. And land a 5year option future all-pro candidate. Pick up the missing 3rd rounder, or an addnl 2nd- maybe both. In a very talented top 60-80 draft.
There will be qb's available in round 2 thus year- that would gave veen 1st rounders the past 2 drafts & in 2025. Id rather have a better interior line, and a perceived lesser qb to help the qb develop.
It is an obvious issue for any qb. Mahomes or Caleb. McCarthy or Daniels. Cousins or Mayfield.
That the moment will arrive. 3rd and 14 with the game on the line...#56 will ride his skates into the qb's lap and its now 4th & 22.
Even if KOC winds up being the QB whisperer we hope for. No qb can be consistently good in key moments with Bradburry in his lap. The center position must be solidified if the vikings wish to be anything better than playoff fodder. Id argue. Center matters more than qb. Tom Brady struggled when his IOL was injured. Drew Breez gad his worst season when the Saints tried to go cheap at center. In the games that KC's iol has struggled. Mahomes didnt play to his mvp standard. Flacco was average until Matt Birk arrived. Since Matt Birks departure, every Viking qb has been miserable late in games in obvious pass moments.
Now- heading to the draft, the 2024 season. The Vikings still gave Bradburry, & 2 guards on the roster. Ingram, who hopefully improves in year 3, and a practice squader that has yet to be on the field in an nfl game. Using draft capital to move up for a qb ensures the vikings IOL continues to be the weak link that defenses will exploit with the game on the line. The 2025 center class is weak. The 2024 guard class is weak.
I remain in the camp- let the draft come to you. Target Barton who should be available as long as they stay in front of greenbay. Trade down with Denver or Vegas. Both if possible.
Id rather have Rattler or Maye behind Barton than Caleb or Daniels behind the existing line.
Without a decent o-line. The running game will flounder, the rookie qb will be asked to do too much and the vikings blow this opportunity.
Conversely, if you can run the ball & give your qb time... Even the last pick of the draft(purdy) can find nfl success.
Zac Wilson gets the blame, Will Levis gets the blame- but neither of those teams could run the ball consistently forcing their young qb to convert 3rd & long on most drives. Even the best qb's struggle when they face 3rd & 10+ repeatedly.
Add in the FACT- college o-linemen, with nfl quality, are becoming harder to find every year. Its likely to continue in a downward trend with conference consolidation. At least thats what ive been hearing. Barton can play all 5 line positions. Guard as a rookie. Flipped to center in year 2 when the vikings draft a guard or 2 in 2025. If they plan this correct- the vikings will bump the o-line into one of the best in the league in 2 drafts.
Think of how much better Cousins would have been with a top run game leading the way & consistent 3 ir 4 second pass protection.
Trading up for a qb in 2024 ensures the viking ceiling will be what theyve been lately, middlers with an occasional playoff appearance.
BLECH!
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