The 2024 NFL draft is now less than a month away. While we have an idea of what may happen, things could always change minutes before a team makes their selection. Trades are inevitable on draft day, whether it’s for prospects or proven commodities.
Anything can and will happen on draft day, especially in this heavy-loaded quarterback class. Many teams will draft their quarterback of the future, and the Minnesota Vikings could be in the mix for one. According to ESPN, the Vikings reportedly want to trade up in the draft to select University of Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy, fresh off capturing the College Football Playoff championship.
The expectation is that the Vikings will aggressively try to trade up to the pick of number four or five. Minnesota currently holds the number 11 pick. The Arizona Cardinals hold the number four pick. The Los Angeles Chargers hold the number five pick.
McCarthy enjoyed a decorated collegiate career. The 21-year-old was named the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year in 2023, and was a two-time All-Big Ten Teamer (he was a First-Teamer in 2023).
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The Chargers and Cardinals, both of whom seem confident in their current signal callers, could be interested in trading back with a team that needs a quarterback like the Vikings. It’s a quarterback-heavy draft, and these two teams don’t need one with Justin Herbert and Kyler Murray under center for each team. The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons, and newly signed quarterback Sam Darnold will not be enough in the NFC North alongside offensive behemoths.
McCarthy has risen up the draft boards in the coming weeks, and teams have fallen in love with what he offers. He didn’t garner that much attention when he was playing and leading the Wolverines to their first national championship since 1997, but he certainly has the NFL’s attention now. The 6-foot-3 quarterback threw for 44 touchdowns and just nine interceptions in his college career while completing 72.3% of his throws last season.
The Illinois native had an impressive Pro day, which caught the attention of many teams. While the Vikings brass was not in attendance, quarterback coach Josh McCown was there and kept a close eye on the potential top-five picks. He may not shine with his numbers or athletic ability, but something has changed over the last few months.
All signs point to McCarthy being a top-10 pick in the draft. One thing is for sure: wherever he goes, teams seem to be confident that he can be a winner as a starting quarterback early on.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.