MINNESOTA VIKINGS GRADE OUR POORLY IN 2024 NFL DRAFT
The Minnesota Vikings have made some major changes to their roster over the last few offseasons and 2024 was no different. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Danielle Hunter both moved on, signing with the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans in free agency.

Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback remained a major need for the Vikings. They signed Sam Darnold in free agency, but Minnesota was still lacking a long-term option at the position.

That was, until the first round. With rumors swirling about teams looking for quarterbacks, the Vikings opted to make a trade with the New York Jets. They swapped the No. 11 overall pick and two Day 3 selections to snag No. 10, where they selected Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy was the fifth quarterback off the board, as the Falcons shocked everyone and selected Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall. He was fourth following Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye going first, second and third.

Given the need for a quarterback, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. didn’t dislike the move to get McCarthy. What he was skeptical of was how the Vikings handled their draft capital, as they acted like a team going all in to win in 2024.