2024 NFL Draft Predictions - Will The Vikings Trade Up For A QB?

The quarterback position is so important to the NFL that its definition has transcended the game. The word "quarterbacking" means to direct or coordinate an operation or project.

The Minnesota Vikings don't have a seasoned director of operations. Sam Darnold, a former first-round flameout for the New York Jets, is currently atop the depth chart. At best, he’s a short-term answer.

Whether it's in this draft or 2025's edition, the Vikings will be searching for a new franchise quarterback. To select one later this month, the team will likely need to do some maneuvering during the draft.

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Current State Of The Minnesota Offense

Take the quarterback out of the equation and the Minnesota offense stacks up as one of the more talented units in the league. Justin Jefferson is at worst a top-three receiver. Jordan Addison is an elite second option. Like Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson is one of the best at his position. Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler provide an above-average one-two punch out of the backfield.

Most of those names listed above need a reliable quarterback to put the football in their hands. For years, Kirk Cousins was that guy. When he tore his Achilles in Week 8, the Vikings rotated through a slew of replacement quarterbacks. Joshua Dobbs had his moments before reverting to the journeyman that we knew him to be. Nick Mullens put up respectable fantasy football numbers but his turnovers prevented Minnesota from winning games.

THE @LIONS PICK IT AND WILL CLINCH THE NFC NORTH. #DETvsMIN pic.twitter.com/EYMCu0ddkZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023

Jaren Hall is proof that the Vikings need a strong passer. With playoff implications on the line in Week 17, Hall completed one pass each to Jefferson and Addison in the first half before being benched. Rostering world-class wide receivers doesn't matter if the quarterback can't find them.

Which Quarterback Could The Vikings Trade Up For?

Caleb Williams is a lock to go number one. Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the favorites to follow Williams. That leaves Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy as the next-best option for quarterback-needy teams. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix will be available when the Vikings are scheduled to select at 11th overall, but selecting either of them at that spot would qualify as a reach.

The Vikings have acquired the ammunition needed to jump the line in late April. The team grabbed Houston's first-round pick earlier this offseason. They can package the 11th and 23rd picks (with future capital) to move up.

DRAFT TRADE: The Vikings have acquired the Texans’ first-round pick (No. 23 overall). (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero)

Vikings receive:
Pick No. 23
Pick No. 232

Texans get:
Pick No. 42
Pick No. 188
2025 2nd-round pick pic.twitter.com/XSH6B362MW

— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2024

McCarthy is the draft's biggest variable. His talents weren't showcased during his tenure with the Michigan Wolverines, who used a dominant running game and defense to run the table. Coach Jim Harbaugh, who now commands the Chargers, has been drumming up interest for his former quarterback. The tools may be there for McCarthy even though football fans didn't see it consistently in college.

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