Oh boy, here we go: Vikings trying to move up before Thursday

[purplefaithful]

More conjecture and rumor slinging from today:
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The Minnesota Vikings "have been actively working the phones" leading up to the 2024 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler added Minnesota is somewhat wary of trading up given its overall collection of picks this year. The Vikings don't have any selections in the second or third rounds, so packaging its two first-rounders (Nos. 11 and 23) with the best of what's left over could leave them with little else of value to help augment the roster.

The dilemma for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is that holding firm could mean missing one of the four best QB prospects available.

McCarthy fell to the Vikings with the 11th pick in Bleacher Report's most recent mock draft, but others have projected big trades, either by Minnesota or another team, with the Michigan star in mind.

The New York Giants at No. 6 might provide the first major inflection point in the first round. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are both saying the right things regarding quarterback Daniel Jones, but New York could plausibly take McCarthy and make him the new franchise QB.

Should the Giants focus their energies elsewhere, only four more picks would be standing between the Vikings and their first opportunity to be on the clock. Perhaps Adofo-Mensah would be a little more comfortable moving up in that scenario or even have enough confidence nobody will leapfrog Minnesota into the top 10.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1011...e-mccarthy

[purplefaithful]

2024 NFL Draft: Vikings predictions


Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (trade up to No. 4 with Arizona)

Middlehurst-Schwartz writes: "Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Maye at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, and it's easy to see why Minnesota would be excited about adding a rocket-armed signal-caller comfortable operating on the move, especially as the franchise turns the page from the Kirk Cousins era. For Maye, there might be no better situation for his development than learning under McCown and Kevin O'Connell while having Justin Jefferson on the receiving end of his deep bombs and Christian Darrisaw keeping him clean."

Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (trade up to No. 9 with Chicago)

Monson writes: "There were reports that Drake Maye is the quarterback the Minnesota Vikings covet, and that lines up nicely for them if he starts to slide as more and more concerns crop up with his game."

Mel Kiper Jr. & Field Yates, ESPN: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (trade up to No. 5 with Los Angeles Chargers)

Kiper writes: "Did you expect a different quarterback here? Giving up that 2025 pick is going to hurt for Minnesota, but it would be worth it if the organization feels McCarthy can be the guy. There's some risk involved -- McCarthy was never asked to carry the load with his arm in college -- but his physical tools are appealing."

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Reuter writes: "Nix's ability to find targets at all three levels, move in and outside the pocket, and direct an offense are quite reminiscent of former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins."

Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (trade up to No. 5 with Los Angeles Chargers)

Sullivan writes: "L.A. doesn't need QB and needs to bring aboard young/cheap talent, so moving down is a logical step. The Vikings get themselves a fascinating QB prospect who has won essentially everywhere he's gone in his football life."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nf...405099007/