NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Wanted QBs to Get 'a Little Uncomfortable' During Workouts

The Kirk Cousins era is over for the Minnesota Vikings, and they are reportedly trying a unique approach to discover their next franchise quarterback in this year's NFL draft.

ESPN's Matt Miller reported Thursday that the team's front office and head coach Kevin O'Connell have not attended pro day workouts for many of the top signal-callers. Instead, Minnesota will have private workouts with five quarterbacks.

"We want to see them work out in a more intimate setting," a team source told Miller. "Get them a little uncomfortable running our workout vs. theirs."

Miller noted Caleb Williams is the only one of the presumed top-six quarterbacks who the Vikings will not meet with in this fashion. Minnesota surely assumes the division-rival Chicago Bears will take Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.

The Vikings have the No. 11 overall pick of the draft, so they may need to move up if they are going to land the quarterback of their choice. Perhaps the Los Angeles Chargers, who already have Justin Herbert under center, would be a candidate to give up their No. 5 overall selection.

Minnesota has been connected to Michigan's J.J. McCarthy during the predraft process, but it seems like it will also meet with Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.

Getting this decision right will ultimately determine the Vikings' overall chance to compete in the NFC North this season, as they have playmakers in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones around the quarterback position.

It is largely a win-now offensive roster, so seeing which quarterback performs well when he is "uncomfortable" and facing pressure figures to help Minnesota make its ultimate decision.