4 QB options that fit Kevin O’Connell’s Minnesota Vikings
By Luke Parrish
Matt Corral (Ole Miss)
The easiest way to acquire a quarterback this offseason would be through the NFL Draft. Ole Miss’ Matt Corral is in line to be the top quarterback selected, but he could slide due to things out of his control. The Senior Bowl is always one of the best ways for prospects to emerge as first-round selections, and with Corral ineligible for the event, other quarterbacks may rise above him.
Corral fits the mold of what the Rams got in Matt Stafford via trade last offseason. He is a dynamic playmaker with a big arm, good legs, and an eye for the big play. While he has a lot of work to do as a passer, the highlights and excitement are there.
By pushing for Stafford, O’Connell and McVay made it clear that they were comfortable with taking risks and betting on pure talent. Sure, Stafford was going to have some questionable turnovers along the way, but his strong arm and big-play potential have ushered the Rams into the Super Bowl.
When looking at Matt Corral, a lot of the same traits are there. He loves the deep ball, he puts the team on his back, and he is an absolute difference-maker on the field. However, Corral is susceptible to some head-scratching turnovers, and his passion for the game got him injured in a relatively meaningless bowl game.
Corral is battling for the QB1 title this offseason. The Vikings need to go in a different direction at some point in the near future, so it might as well be a young guy that takes over the offense.
At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds (unofficially), Corral has enough size to be a modern QB, but he will have to develop as a passer at the next level. He is worth a selection in the first round if the Vikings decide to go that route, but they could also look elsewhere, both in the draft and around the NFL.