The Minnesota Vikings have expressed interest in quarterback Jayden Daniels, swiftly arranging a meeting with him following his pro day, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport’s report on March 27.
Rapoport’s post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “Immediately following his Pro Day, #LSU QB and potential Top 3 pick Jayden Daniels is scheduled to meet with the #Patriots, #Commanders, #Giants, #Vikings, #Broncos, and #Raiders, per his agent Ron Butler. Daniels has not previously met with any teams [since the combine].”
Daniels is considered one of the top quarterbacks expected to be selected early in April’s draft. While Caleb Williams is widely anticipated to be the No. 1 overall pick to the Chicago Bears, the decision for the Washington Commanders remains a topic of debate between North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, and Daniels. Daniels, who had an outstanding 2023 season, won the Heisman Trophy with impressive statistics: 3,812 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, along with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Just three potential first round picks playing catch.
Jayden Daniels arm is looking 🔥 at his Pro-day.
— Sharp Football Analysis (@SharpFBAnalysis) March 27, 2024
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has shown a preference for traditional pocket passers like Maye and McCarthy. However, the Vikings have also shown interest in Daniels, as indicated by KSTP’s Darren Wolfson on a recent episode of SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast. Despite the focus on Maye and McCarthy, Wolfson emphasized that the Vikings have a positive view of Daniels and shouldn’t be overlooked as a potential choice.
One concern surrounding Daniels, aside from his physical attributes, is his ability to remain in the pocket and make throws over the middle of the field. Despite this, Daniels has demonstrated his capability to execute these throws, which aligns with O’Connell’s preferences for quarterbacks.
Although neither O’Connell nor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah attended LSU’s pro day, O’Connell disclosed on KFAN that they would be spending significant time with McCarthy in the coming days. Additionally, the Vikings management is opting for private meetings with prospects rather than attending North Carolina’s pro day.