The Minnesota Vikings are going through a very delicate moment in the current NFL season, with a record of only 4-7 in the NFC North, with the Detroit Lions (7-5), Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), and Chicago Bears (8-3) in the division and playoff race.
The Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks will be decisive in determining whether the Vikings can keep their slim playoff hopes alive, as a loss would leave them with virtually no chance of competing for a Wild Card spot. Much of the Vikings’ problems this season have been due to J.J. McCarthy’s physical condition, which is why the franchise is already scouting a new quarterback with an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Vikings Predicted To Pick Duke QB After J.J. McCarthy’s Poor Season
The next few weeks will be crucial in clarifying the Vikings’ potential draft strategy, particularly if their playoff chances are officially eliminated.
According to Ian Cummings of PFSN’s recently published seven-round mock draft, the first pick should be a new quarterback with the physical ability and intensity that the NFL currently demands.
In this case, the best choice would be Darian Mensah, a Duke player who could be essential to the offense, as McCarthy’s lack of confidence allows the franchise to consider a first-round QB in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cummings wrote, “The 2026 NFL Draft might not provide the chance, but it’s still worth exploring potential early declarations. Darian Mensah is one such wild card who could change the equation.”
“At 6’3″, 215 pounds, Mensah is a prototypical passer and a good functional athlete who has bright flashes of anticipation, multi-read processing, and layering on tape. He needs to improve his pocket-depth discipline, but Kevin O’Connell could play with him.”
Mensah is in his first season as the starter for Duke. So far, Moore has thrown for 3,182 yards with 26 touchdowns, four interceptions, and has completed 67.4% of his passes in 11 games. On the other hand, the ground game would be hampered considering that Mensah has -41 yards in rushing plays, showing that he needs to improve in this area.
The last few weeks will be decisive in giving us an idea of what the Vikings’ strategy will be in the Draft. Still, fans would do well to start paying closer attention to college QBs, considering that McCarthy may not fully recover by the end of the current season.
McCarthy is far from meeting the expectations of a franchise quarterback, with only a 52.5 metric score and an F grade from PFSN’s QB Impact ranking, having completed only 54.1% of his passes.