The Minnesota Vikings had a solid first season under head coach Kevin O’Connell. It was an unorthodox way of winning games, as they had a negative point differential on the season, but nonetheless, they got the job done. Minnesota went 13-4, running away with the NFC North and hosting a game during Super Wild Card Weekend.
While that game against the New York Giants didn’t pan out as they had hoped, as they lost 31-24, 2022 was still a successful season for the Vikings. If they can shore things up defensively this offseason, they will be even more dangerous in 2023.
One of the other things that the Vikings have to begin preparing for is life after Kirk Cousins. He is set to be the starting quarterback in 2023, but beyond that, there are some questions. Cousins is turning 35 in August and is only under contract through this season.
An extension could certainly be worked out, but the Vikings will explore every avenue. One of those avenues could be selecting their quarterback of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft. In an ideal world, they would have the chance to select Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
The Vikings were ranked as the second-best landing spot for the athletically gifted quarterback behind only the Giants. There is certainly a lot to like about the fit as O’Connell is an excellent young offensive-minded coach and Richardson would be afforded the chance to sit and learn for one season behind Cousins.
In addition to the coaching staff fit, the Vikings’ offense is loaded with talent. Any young quarterback would love to have a player of Dalvin Cook’s caliber leading the backfield to lean on. Having arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson to throw to is also a nice luxury.
Alas, actually landing Richardson is unlikely for the Vikings. They have the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which is much later than Richardson is projected to get drafted. The only way that they will be able to snag the Florida product is if they move up the board.
There are a number of teams that would be interested in trading back in the draft, but it would be costly for Minnesota. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears traded up from No. 20 to No. 11 to select Justin Fields. That cost them their fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in addition to first and fourth-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
It would cost the Vikings even more as they are further down the draft board and could have to vault higher into the top 10 to have a shot at Richardson. While Minnesota would certainly love to have him, it doesn’t seem like it will be in the cards this offseason.
