Tanking a no-go? Why BYU QB Zach Wilson might fit the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings might not be bad enough to land quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields in the draft. If that’s the case, BYU QB Zach Wilson works.

Regardless of opinions on Kirk Cousins, it’s becoming a common theme within the Vikings fan base to want the team to take Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Though both players have franchise-changing abilities, they will likely be selected in the top five. 

The Vikings have struggled out of the gate and sit in last place in the NFC North. Minnesota’s 1-5 record currently has it slated to get the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. If they landed a top three pick and had the option to select one of the two quarterbacks above, it would likely be a no-brainer. 

However, Vikings fans know that there are players and coaches that may be fighting for their jobs. Tanking isn’t really an option in the NFL and there’s still a legitimate chance the Vikings string together a few wins. 

If that’s the case, Zach Wilson out of BYU could be an option for the Vikings in the upcoming draft. 

Wilson has started to rise up big boards due to his performance this season and it’s likely going to continue given BYU’s easy schedule. Through his first six games of 2020 Wilson is completing 78.3 percent of his passes for 1,928 yards and 16 touchdowns. His BYU team is 6-0 and ranked 11th in the country. 

There will be people that criticize his strength of schedule, but that should also affect Trey Lance who only played one game this year against Central Arkansas and plays in the FCS. If BYU wins out, they will likely land a bowl game against another ranked opponent. 

Statistically speaking, Wilson has been an elite quarterback through his first six games this year. He is making throws that have drawn some comparisons to what Patrick Mahomes is doing in Kansas City. 

Wilson is the type of player that the Vikings need given Kirk Cousins’ contract. It’s unlikely that Cousins isn’t in Minnesota next year so why not do exactly what the Chiefs did with Mahomes and let Wilson learn the system behind a veteran quarterback?

The Vikings have lacked excitement at the quarterback position over the last decade. It has been a rollercoaster ride since Brett Favre’s miraculous season and it’s time to get a young gunslinger with mobility on the roster.