NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s still early in the the respective seasons for Caleb Williams and the Minnesota Vikings but that doesn’t mean, that either should not be checking their DMs. Williams is lighting things up at USC where his Trojans are 6-0. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are, well, they’re not the team they were last year as they enter Week 6 at 1-4. As it looks now, there’s a good chance that Willams could find himself as a member of the Vikings following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Let’s stand back a second and hear from all the Kirk Cousins fans out there. Yes, Cousins is currently the starting QB for the Vikings and we can use the word currently loosely. There’s a good chance that he could be moved by the NFL Trade Deadline or they just let him walk after the season. Cousins will enter the 2024 season at the age of 36. Meaning, he’s not getting any younger. However, the Vikings roster is.
Justin Jefferson is regarded as one of the best receivers in the NFL. And while they have great chemistry, Jefferson must know in the back of his mind that the clock on their bond is running out. Which brings us to Williams. With Jefferson out at least 4 games after being placed on IR this week and the Vikings sitting at 1-4, there’s a good chance they could have a shot to draft Caleb Williams.
The Vikings are currently 4th in the draft order right behind the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. Let’s say this order stays the same. The Bears may stick with Justin Fields and possibly with the top 2 picks in the draft, they can go defense and still bring in a playmaker at receiver to pair with Fields and DJ Moore. The Broncos, that’s a tricky one. They have Russell Wilson on the books for another 2 seasons but will they be willing to cause an issue in the locker room by drafting Williams? Sean Payton does not cater to anyone not named Drew Brees so there is a chance the Broncos can snag Williams before the Vikings do.
But going further down the order, next up would be the New England Patriots who have Mac Jones but his term is coming to an end if he doesn’t turn things around this year. The Arizona Cardinals have Kyler Murray and the jury is still out on him but he’s owed a ton of money as well after signing a new deal. The New York Giants would come next but they just handed Daniel Jones a new contract this offseason. Do you see why the Vikings are on the clock here?
Will The Minnesota Vikings Draft Williams
Another area of concern is that Williams’ father has stated that his son may stay at USC for another season if he doesn’t feel the teams that may draft him. Understandable. But how could he turn down a chance to play with a proven receiver in JJ and a young back in Ty Chandler? Williams could come into a great situation much better than possibly in Chicago or anywhere else outside of Denver. Maybe he doesn’t want to pay in the cold.
The Vikings would be wise to keep a close eye on this situation. Cousins has been good during his tenure in Minnesota but the Vikings have nothing to show for it. They are in the middle of a youth movement. Last season, they won the close games, but this year, they losing the same games. So which season represents the real Vikings?
There have been rumors of a possible deal for Cousins to the New York Jets and they would signal a “Tank For Caleb Williams” strategy. This may be in their best interest. If the Vikings start winning, they run a huge risk of having no choice but to not only keep Cousins but to pay him top dollar. If they continue to lose, they put themselves in a better position for the furure.
What it boils down to is this. Starting today, the Vikings should have every scout they have at every USC game watching Williams, and after every game, they should have their Social Media team stalking every post Williams makes. Get in those DMs and see if they can get Willams to consider purple.
