Top 10 sleepers for the Vikings heading into the 2023 NFL Draft
By Darcy Weiss
Jake Haener - QB (Fresno State)
2022 Stats:
- 2,896 passing yards
- 20 touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
- 72.0 percent completion rate
Jake Haener may not possess ideal quarterback size standing at 6-foot-1, though his strong football IQ and leadership qualities helped him succeed as a two-year starter at Fresno State.
Haener has a strong arm which scouts have said is capable of making most of the required NFL-level throws. The former Bulldog is not the most athletic quarterback, though has shown the ability to feel pressure and escape while keeping the play alive.
It’s always difficult to project quarterback draft positions, but the consensus around the industry is that Haener is projected to be a sixth-round selection. He is a tough, competitive player and stepped up in clutch situations, including leading the comeback in Fresno State’s win against UCLA this past season.
His overall traits lack the elite of the top-end of the class, likely causing him to fall to the late rounds, potentially creating value. His size alone may scare teams from taking a shot on him and his deep ball lacks elite velocity, but he already sees the game well and will have time to develop his skills as a backup or third-stringer this season.