Is Noah Fifta an option for the Vikings in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita is an intriguing late-round prospect for the Minnesota Vikings with his IQ, pinpoint accuracy, and mobility. His size creates limitations, but he’s still a high-quality player worth considering in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Fifita has had a strong first three games, tallying 817 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and only one interception. He’s been efficient, completing over 80% of his passes, and has led Arizona to a 2-0 record, falling to ninth-ranked BYU.
Fifita has four years of starting experience with the Wildcats, which is evident in his IQ and processing. He thrives at reading a defense pre-snap and dissecting it, especially against zone coverage. Beyond this, he’s an outstanding leader and commands the locker room.
Fifita has NFL-level accuracy, especially when his feet are set. He expertly layers passes over defenders and can consistently hit tight windows. While Fifita has a formidable arm, it’s not exceptional. However, he compensates with his elite anticipation and timing.
These attributes are impressive, but Fifita’s mobility separates him from other quarterbacks. He’s evasive in the pocket and can gain yards with his legs. He’s fearless near the markers and puts his body on the line for a first down.
Despite these skills, Fifita won’t go before day three because of his outlier frame. The five-foot-eight, 191-pound quarterback is severely undersized, causing struggles between the hashes. He can’t see over the line and has to drift back in the pocket, finding creative angles to deliver the pass. Additionally, his low launch angle makes it easier for defensive linemen to tip the ball.
Fifita won’t be on every team’s draft board because of this. Some head coaches and offensive coordinators will opt for a taller, more prototypical quarterback. However, he only needs one team to take a chance, which the Vikings could. Kevin O’Connell is willing to work with smaller signal callers (Kyler Murray at five-foot-10) and could roll the dice on Fifita.
This, plus the Vikings' questions at quarterback, makes them a prime landing spot for Fifita. Kyler Murray is still unknown, as a concussion cost him the first two weeks, and JJ McCarthy’s career in Minnesota is practically over. They likely won’t be in contention for a top pick because of their stellar defense, so they may have to address the need in the later rounds. If they do, don’t be shocked to hear Noah Fifita’s name floating around in April.
