The Best-Case Scenario for the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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As of now, the Minnesota Vikings are one of three teams holding a pair of first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Many expect the Vikings to use those two picks to trade up and select a quarterback, but what if they don’t need to do that? Here is a look at the best-case scenario for the Vikings draft this spring as they try to pursue a quarterback.
The Best-Case Scenario for the Vikings Draft
The assumption should remain that both the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders are going to select a quarterback. Chicago traded away Justin Fields while Washington traded Sam Howell, meaning both teams need new starters this season.
Let’s assume Chicago takes Caleb Williams while Washington selects Jayden Daniels. That leaves Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy as the remaining quarterbacks among the “big four” group at the top of the draft. With the New England Patriots holding the No. 3 pick, they very well could take a quarterback.
However, there have been reports that many teams view McCarthy as the third-best quarterback in this spring’s class. If that is the case, perhaps New England will use that third overall pick on McCarthy rather than Maye.
After New England picks, there could be a QB drought until Minnesota selects. These are the seven teams picking between the Patriots and Vikings:
- No. 4: Arizona Cardinals
- No. 5: Los Angeles Chargers
- No. 6: New York Giants
- No. 7: Tennessee Titans
- No. 8: Atlanta Falcons
- No. 9: Chicago Bears
- No. 10: New York Jets
Arizona and Los Angeles certainly won’t be trying to draft a QB. New York could, but Brian Daboll recently stated that he still considers Daniel Jones to be “the guy” for the Giants at the position. Tennessee has Will Levis and Malik Willis. Atlanta just signed Kirk Cousins. Chicago will already have selected a QB with the No. 1 overall pick. The Jets have Aaron Rodgers.
In the end, it isn’t entirely unfeasible that one of Maye or McCarthy could fall to the Vikings at No. 11. Even if another team like the Denver Broncos or Las Vegas Raiders try to make a trade to move up into this group, the Vikings have the draft ammo to box out either team from moving ahead of them.
Of course, the draft is a completely unpredictable event. Nobody truly knows what will happen until it begins. Still, the Vikings could very well land their young QB prospect while still having the 23rd overall pick in their back pockets to add another playmaker to their roster.
As a result, the Vikings shouldn’t make a hasty trade up the draft board before the night that it begins, unless it becomes clear that another team is attempting to leap above them.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.