Early 2024 mock drafts have Vikings targeting a new QB

Multiple early 2024 mock drafts have the Minnesota Vikings using their top selection on a quarterback prospect to replace Kirk Cousins.

It is never too early for a mock draft and even though the 2023 NFL Draft ended this past Saturday, we already have plenty of predictions flowing in about what the Minnesota Vikings might do with their top pick in next year's draft.

Some of these super-early 2024 mock drafts have the Vikings adding a new cornerback or pass rusher with their first-round selection. But some of the most notable early 2024 mocks have Minnesota drafting a quarterback to replace Kirk Cousins.

Cousins' current contract expires in 2024, so these predictions aren't very surprising, even though Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently said that "every option is open" when it comes to the future of the team's quarterback position.

Who are the Minnesota Vikings selecting in the way-too-early 2024 mock drafts?

With Cousins' expected departure after the upcoming season, some of the early 2024 mock drafts have Minnesota, unsurprisingly, selecting his replacement.

Below are some of the young signal-callers the Vikings have wound up with in these early 2024 mocks.

Pro Football Focus

Selection: Quinn Ewers - QB (Texas)

• "Ewers disappointed in his first season as a starter after being one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits ever. He still flashed his ridiculous arm talent, as his 6.6% big-time throw rate ranked sixth among Power Five quarterbacks. The issue is his decision-making and accuracy. Ewers’ 65.2% adjusted completion rate was the eighth-worst in the Power Five. If he can rein it in, Ewers can join Caleb Williams and Drake Maye at the top of the draft." - Max Chadwick

The Draft Network

Selection: Bo Nix - QB (Oregon)

• "Bo Nix is one of the more fascinating prospects to study in this upcoming class. A highly experienced player, Nix has made 34 career starts in the SEC West and has enjoyed some significant levels of success. He is tough as nails and displays very good leadership and resilience which should only bode well for his NFL projection." - Brentley Weissman

Pro Football Network

Selection: Michael Penix Jr. - QB (Washington)

• "The Vikings will have to meaningfully address the end of the Kirk Cousins era at some point, and the 2024 NFL Draft will offer a good opportunity to do so. Michael Penix Jr. could be a first-round candidate if his medicals check out. He’s a lefty with a laser, who blends together athleticism, competitive toughness, field vision, and fearlessness as a prospect." - Ian Cummings

Unless Minnesota ends up giving Cousins a new contract before the start of the 2023 regular season or during the 2024 offseason, the chances seem pretty high that they will be targeting a quarterback in next year's NFL Draft.

Could it be one of the passing prospects from the three early 2024 mock drafts mentioned above, or will someone else end up taking over as the Vikings' starting quarterback if the team moves on from Cousins?