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.
“My qualm about GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s class has more to do with mortgaging the future of this Minnesota roster. He made the move in March to get an extra first-rounder at No. 23, which cost him a second-round pick next year. And to trade up from No. 23 to No. 17, he had to give the Jaguars his 2025 third- and fourth-rounders. That means the Vikings have just three selections next year: one in Round 1 and two in Round 5. With a rookie quarterback under center, are they really in position to go all-in right now? This is after they had just two picks in Rounds 1-3 this year,” Kiper wrote.
That is a dangerous game Adofo-Mesnah is playing. Limited draft capital is something a ready-made contender could handle, but the seemingly rebuilding Vikings? That is certainly not a great look for their future outlook.
Of course, that all changes if McCarthy is an instant hit, similar to C.J. Stroud last season with the Houston Texans. That would change the perception a lot in Minnesota, but having that limited amount of draft capital makes maneuvering in the future very difficult.
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