Everything the Minnesota Vikings have done — especially signing journeyman Sam Darnold — indicates they will draft a quarterback this year. That puts Minnesota in a prime position to mentor a young QB, and the perfect fit seems available in this year’s draft. The best news is that they likely wouldn’t even need to trade up further to ensure they land him.
If they don’t trade up to the No. 3 pick, they can take Oregon’s Bo Nix, one of the most electrifying prospects in this year’s draft.
Nix was one of college football’s most dynamic players last year, finishing third in the Heisman Trophy race. He played five years of college football, including three at Auburn and his last two at Oregon. He holds the all-time NCAA record for quarterback starts with 61. Nix finished his last year at Oregon with 45 touchdown passes to only three interceptions.
The 24-year-old has the most experience out of all the quarterbacks in this year’s draft, including Michael Penix, 23, who battled injuries throughout his career. Nix’s experience would be a huge asset to the Vikings. He has proven throughout his college career that he can come in and play instantly. In Nix’s first collegiate game, he beat Justin Herbert — when Nix was a true freshman.
Not only does Nix bring significant experience to the table, but he also brings elite playmaking ability and improvisation. He occasionally turns into a magician, making plays that break social media.
His playmaking ability may remind longtime Vikings fans of another quarterback who wore No. 10: Fran Tarkenton.
Both players have eerily similar scrambling highlights, as you can see in the videos above.
Nix’s arm and ability to throw on the run are also among the most underrated aspects of his game. Even without having his feet set, Nix can deliver bombs downfield that land on target.
Nix doesn’t only make plays with his arm; his legs are also a tremendous asset to his game. He runs the ball in many ways, whether it is a power run, read-option, or making the most out of a play that seems like hope is lost. Nix rushed for 1,613 yards in his career with 20 touchdowns.
Nix would provide the Vikings with many ways to run the ball, something they have not seen fully since Joe Webb, despite occasional flashes from rookie Jaren Hall this past season.
Not only is Nix a fantastic player, but he is also a great leader and teammate, and he was rewarded for this with the Campbell Trophy. He’s known for his strong character and leadership ability.
However, not everything in Nix’s game is stellar. His pocket presence is still an issue, although he improved greatly after transferring to Oregon. He sometimes gets antsy in the pocket and panics if his first read is not open.
Nix’s skittish tendencies are also reflected in his imperfect mechanics, specifically his footwork and throwing motions. Nix occasionally displays inconsistencies and flawed form.
Unfortunately, it may be difficult for the Vikings to coach out of Nix due to his age and muscle memory. He’s 24 years old and has had issues managing the pocket throughout college.
Nix also never played in a pro-style system, spending most of his collegiate career in an RPO system, which has not historically translated well into the NFL. But Kevin O’Connell may be able to help rid Nix of his bad habits.
The biggest knocks against Nix are his age, inconsistent form, and the system he played in. However, his raw athleticism and playmaking ability are enough to make scouts overlook those flaws. Due to the sheer value of quarterbacks, Nix will likely be drafted in the mid-first to early second round.
The Vikings have two first-round picks — 11th overall and the newly acquired 23rd-overall pick. Nix will most certainly be available at pick 11 and possibly still be around when it comes time to call pick No. 23. The Vikings have an opportunity to draft a game-changing quarterback and a great leader with Nix.
