The Minnesota Vikings, widely expected to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, may be considering a surprising change of strategy. NFL executives believe the Vikings, facing a disadvantage in trade talks, could opt to keep both of their first-round picks.
Instead of moving up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings could select the best player available at 11th overall. This could be a cornerback, such as Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold, addressing a glaring need in their defense.
Later in the first round, Minnesota could then target Bo Nix with the 23rd overall pick. Nix is an accurate, athletic quarterback who fits the Vikings’ system and makes quick decisions. This would give the Vikings a quarterback who could execute head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
This strategy would mark a departure from many mock drafts that projected the Vikings to trade up for Maye or McCarthy. However, it could still result in a successful outcome for the Vikings, providing them with a talented defensive cornerstone and a quarterback who could help them contend for a playoff berth in 2024.
