Vikings’ quarterback conundrum: Is now the time to find Kirk Cousins’ successor?

The Minnesota Vikings want to do this on their own terms.

Fire a random dart at a quarterback? Nope, that’s not going to be the approach of this regime.

Thrust a rookie quarterback into action immediately? Also not the plan.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made this clear more than a month ago at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“You don’t want to be forced to play the (newly drafted quarterback) on a specific day,” he said then. “You want to grow them in your culture, develop them, have them learn the playbook and eventually take over when that time comes.”

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Analysts and fans alike have wondered whether that time might be coming soon.

To start, Kirk Cousins’ contract is set to void after the 2023 season. Additionally, members of the Vikings’ front office have spoken openly about the benefits of constructing a roster with a quarterback on a rookie contract. Pair those two details, and you’ll understand the recent mock draft trend of Minnesota opting for a QB in the first round.

Considering The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, published “The Beast” on Monday, I felt it would be worthwhile to dig a bit deeper into the idea.

Specifically, I wanted to consider three questions: What does head coach Kevin O’Connell value most in a quarterback? Is there a quarterback who fits what O’Connell will seek? And, maybe most important, is this draft cycle the right time for the Vikings to chart their future at the position?

On the first topic of conversation — O’Connell’s preferences — the coach told Colin Cowherd last August about the qualities he looks for in young quarterbacks.

“We talk a lot about fundamentals and techniques and how you deliver the football and the rhythm and timing of your ability to be twitchy and to speed it up when you have to,” O’Connell told Cowherd, “and those are all great things. But when the rock leaves your hands, when you throw that football, you have to be in control of it at this level and be able to put it where you want it and be able to do it with different rhythms and timings and anticipations.”

O’Connell spent considerable time working with quarterbacks at the Elite 11 competition and in the private sector before transitioning into coaching in the NFL. His thoughts are byproducts of those experiences and witnessing the developmental arcs of other big-time players.

On the podcast with Cowherd, O’Connell mentioned Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and a quality of his that did not initially show up on film.

“Big field vision,” O’Connell called it. “And it’s not always the tall guys — because I am 6-foot-5, and a lot of times I couldn’t see anything. But if guys can see, and if they can feel voids, leverages and techniques — and they’re accurate — then we’re going to be able to get the ball out in rhythm a lot. The pass rush may be humming, but they’re not going to get home in time if we anticipate and see and feel.”

So which quarterbacks in this year’s draft possess these qualities in Brugler’s eyes? Bryce Young, of course.

“Quick-minded player and processes his surroundings extremely well (is “genius level” on the board, according to one NFL GM),” Brugler wrote. “His vision and ability to create out of structure are special … naturally accurate from any arm angle (78 percent adjusted career completion rate).”

Young, though, will likely be gone in the first two selections. So will C.J. Stroud.

Who from the next tier makes sense? Maybe Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, who Brugler wrote is a “highly efficient passer (who has a) clean load and delivery with a smooth stroke.” Still, there remain questions about his game. “Too many passes sail, forcing receivers to work for the catch,” Brugler wrote. “His decision-making often feels predetermined in Tennessee’s offense.”

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis’ weaknesses seem to speak directly to what O’Connell wants to avoid. “Average passing instincts, decision-making and accuracy,” Brugler wrote. “Doesn’t consistently trust his vision, creating too many hitches/pullbacks with his arm or disruptions in his base.”

Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener could be a possibility in the later rounds. He’s an “efficient field-reader and routinely finds his third or fourth progression on the play,” Brugler wrote.

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee is another option. “Tall, projectable frame and sees the field well,” Brugler wrote. “His accuracy is above average when he sets his feet and stays balanced through delivery.”

Blue-chip talent, Day 2 draft gems and the best of the rest are all featured in the 2023 edition of The Beast.

Dive into the NFL Draft's most comprehensive guide, courtesy of @‌dpbrugler:https://t.co/XCR8eRYUb7

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) April 10, 2023

Those names, though, lead us to the broader topic of whether now is really the optimal time for the Vikings to select the guy they hope to be their quarterback of the future.

Cousins is under contract through this season, so a draft pick could sit, learn and adapt to NFL life. But is the rest of the roster good enough to start the rookie QB contract clock now? Moreover, does it make sense to start that clock now even though Cousins’ dead cap hit will be on the books next season?

Let’s glance over at Kansas City’s recent accomplishments for a reference point. In 2017, the Chiefs traded up to draft Patrick Mahomes. He sat behind Alex Smith for a season. Armed with experience, perspective, system familiarity and trust from his teammates, he transitioned into the NFL’s pre-eminent torturer of defenses.

If only it were that simple for all teams trying to build contenders. Not only did the Chiefs select the right guy, but their roster already included Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones. Additionally, once the Chiefs decided to move on from Smith, his contract did not hamstring the roster the following season.

All of that is to say the Chiefs were in prime position to climb up the draft board. To allow Mahomes to sit for a season. To benefit from his rookie contract.

To make such a massive move on their terms.

Are the Vikings?

Vikings’ quarterback conundrum: Is now the time to find Kirk Cousins’ successor?

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