This Summer is all about putting the cart way ahead of the proverbial horse. On Vikings Wire, we will be previewing various angles and players who could emerge over the next year ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
In a new series, we wanted to go through positions of need that are projected to rise for the Vikings in the 2027 NFL Draft. Those positions are quarterback, running back, offensive tackle, defensive line, and cornerback. The first one we will be discussing is quarterback.
The class in 2026 suffered greatly from a lack of depth, but that is not the case in 2027. So with that, we have our eyes on five quarterbacks who could be targets for the Vikings at their projected draft spot, which is not going to include either Arch Manning of Texas or Dante Moore of Oregon.
Drake Lindsey, Minnesota
A popular choice among Minnesota Vikings fans should be familiar with, and perhaps even clamor for. Lindsey is a big projection for analysts at this point, but he showcased enough in 2025 to have some people plugging him into the top end of mock drafts. He seems like someone that Kevin O’Connell and his offensive staff could like having around based on his tools and physical traits.
Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)
Darian Mensah is another player who has the physical traits that the Vikings could be all in on, but also brings an electric dynamic to the position. The Vikings could use a playmaker at the position who can push the ball downfield and also extend plays with his pocket presence. Mensah with the Miami Hurricanes this year is going to have his draft stock attached to a rocket ship more than likely.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Another big-time projection, but somebody who has shown he has the juice, is Drew Mestemaker. He has one year of starting experience, and it came in 2025; before that, he hadn’t started a full season since before high school. He now heads to Oklahoma State after dominating at North Texas last season, with a step up in competition, having him poised to break out on a grander stage.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
There is a trend here with projections, and we are not stopping after the first three. In the case of CJ Carr, he showed sound mechanics and decision-making while flashing some arm talent in 2025. In 2026, he has a chance to be a big riser with a repeat performance of what he did in 2025. Carr would benefit from a deep playoff run as well, which Notre Dame should at least make the dance in 2026.
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers is someone I think the Vikings see with the physical traits and cannon of an arm, and has a hard time passing up by looking at him and saying, “I can make this work.” Sellers has all the tools in the world to be the top overall pick, but he has not yet been able to put all the pieces in the proverbial puzzle together. 2026 will be his final year to do it, and South Carolina has done their part to give him the best offensive line during his time there.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings can reset the quarterback position in the 2027 NFL Draft
