Why Vikings could target rising QB prospect during NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings might be thinking about life without starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. And they might make their intentions known during the first round of the NFL Draft next Thursday.

In a recent mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller predicted that Minnesota would select Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker with the No. 23 overall pick.

"One of the most popular texts I've gotten from evaluators throughout the past 10 days has been some form of 'Watch the Vikings and Hooker,'" wrote Miller while explaining the selection.

While Cousins finished fourth in the NFL in passing yards (4,547) last season, he turns 35 in August and is entering the final year of his contract. According to Spotrac, his market value is a two-year deal worth $43.2M annually.

Minnesota is second-to-last in the league in terms of cap room, per Spotrac. The organization would have to make several cost-cutting moves to accommodate a new Cousins contract, something it may not want to do given that the former Michigan State signal-caller only has one playoff win in five seasons as the Vikings starter.

Minnesota drafting a younger QB avoids another pricey extension and ensures it has a replacement waiting in the wings. If the Vikings select Hooker, it does carry risk -- he's 25 years old and suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the fall. However, some in league circles believe he's a phenomenal talent.

One NFL QB coach told Miller, "The right system will help, but from a talent perspective, he can be a top half-of-the-league guy."

Minnesota is a great landing spot for the 6-foot-4, 218-pound quarterback, too. Pro Bowl WR Justin Jefferson, 23, is entering his prime, and second-year HC Kevin O'Connell is a disciple of Rams HC Sean McVay, a Super Bowl champion.

It makes sense for the Vikings to take a QB, especially if they have questions about Cousins' future and financial concerns.