6 quarterbacks the Minnesota Vikings could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

C.J. Stroud

Measurables:

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 214 pounds

2022 stats:

• 3,688 passing yards
• 41 passing TD
• 6 INT
• 66.3% completion rate

The last spot of this list considered plenty of internal debate. Is it more likely the Minnesota Vikings would take a late-round flier on Fresno State’s Jake Haener or Houston’s Clayton Tune? Probably. Is it also possible the Vikings could be working on a bombshell to select one of the top quarterbacks in this draft? Absolutely.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this week that “at least six teams” have been in contact with the Arizona Cardinals for the third overall pick in this year’s draft. One would have to assume those teams are trying to land a top quarterback prospect and if the Vikings are truly doing their diligence on this class, we can’t rule out a blockbuster trade.

If the Vikings were to make a deal it would likely be to target either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud. While it also hinges on the Houston Texans not selecting a quarterback with the second overall pick, Stroud is more likely to be there, making him a candidate on this list.

Stroud started all 25 games after making his debut as a redshirt freshman in 2021 and posted back-to-back 40-touchdown seasons for the Buckeyes. Although Ohio State hasn’t produced many franchise quarterbacks – and the jury is still out on Justin Fields – Stroud has a complete arm, able to make throws with touch as well as drive the ball downfield.

Even if Stroud is a franchise quarterback, the Vikings have to ask themselves if they have the infrastructure for a quarterback to succeed without the aid of two or three first-round picks.

With Christian Darrisaw, Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, the Minnesota Vikings are off to a good start. The rookie quarterback window and the Vikings’ recent cap purge for 2024 could also allow them to supplement that core through free agency, allowing them to build the contender they want to build.

This seems terrifying to a fan base who have watched the Vikings become the Wile E. Coyote of finding a franchise quarterback but after years of being just good enough, trading for Stroud could be the move that puts them over the top.