According to a NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Minnesota Vikings are one of several teams considering selecting Liberty quarterback Malik Willis on the second day of the NFL Draft.
From NFL Draft Kickoff: A look at how early #Liberty QB Malik Willis will go, while pondering what's next for #Browns QB Baker Mayfield… Plus, could the #Panthers trade back into the 2nd round for a QB? pic.twitter.com/dEYU9kKOpJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2022
“There’s a couple teams … that have done a ton of homework on quarterbacks and there are others who maybe didn’t do as much as others but are an option,” Rapoport said, and then adds: “I’ll give you one intriguing one real high, the Minnesota Vikings.”
Rapoport also mentioned the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions as landing spots for the prospect.
With Kirk Cousins signed through 2023 at cap numbers of $31.4 million (2022) and $36.25 million (2023), he is entrenched as the team’s starter. Taking Willis would give the Vikings a developmental project behind him and potentially allow the team to build the roster around his cheaper cap number.
But it would be a strange move for the Vikings to take Willis after passing on him with the final pick of the first round. Had they taken him with the 32nd overall pick instead of Georgia safety Louis Cine, the Vikings would have had a fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
For what it’s worth, FanDuel Sportsbook moved the Vikings from +5000 to +340 to select Willis on Friday morning but has taken the bet off the board. FanDuel currently has Willis at +400 to be selected with the Vikings 34th overall selection behind Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. at +250 and Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon at +350.
The Vikings have the 34th, 66th and 77th picks on Friday night.
