NFL Mock Draft: 3 first round mistakes the Vikings can’t afford to make
By Ryan Heckman
First round mistakes the Minnesota Vikings cannot make in the 2023 NFL Draft: Selecting a quarterback
Look, it’s become one of the fan base’s favorite pastimes to criticize Cousins and dream of replacing him. But, do we all remember how bad it was before Cousins? Do we even realize how good he has been since joining Minnesota?
In four of his five seasons with the Vikings, Cousins has thrown for over 4,000 yards, including the second-highest number of his career just last season at 4,547 yards. To put that in perspective, one of the Vikings’ biggest rivals a bit south has yet to have a quarterback surpass 4,000 passing yards in over 100 years of existence.
Looking at you, Bears fans.
The Vikings cannot and should not draft a quarterback in the first round this year, especially if the likes of Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis aren’t there.
Some outlets have talked about the possibility of Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker going in the first round as the draft’s fifth quarterback selected, and while he has a lot to like and could turn out to be a great pro, it shouldn’t be in Minnesota. There will be value at pick 23, and reaching on a quarterback simply cannot be in the cards for the Vikings.