Minnesota Vikings take a big swing to find their franchise QB in a new mock draft

The Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up to be one of the most talked about teams in the NFL this offseason.  By landing a second first-round pick that many view as ammo for a potential trade-up for a QB.  In a new two-round A to Z Sports Mock Draft, the Vikings left with who they […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks to the media at the 2024 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
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The Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up to be one of the most talked about teams in the NFL this offseason. 

By landing a second first-round pick that many view as ammo for a potential trade-up for a QB. 

In a new two-round A to Z Sports Mock Draft, the Vikings left with who they hope to be their new franchise QB.

Round 1, Pick 5: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan 

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Trade: Vikings send picks 11, 23, and their 2025 1st to the Chargers for pick 5

"It seems like the NFL's worst-kept secret at this point is that the Vikings are interested in trading up for a QB. I'm sure they would love to convince one of the top three teams into a trade to make sure they get one of their top guys in this class, but with the top three off the board already at five, their choice is here is pretty simple. J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan has had quite the draft cycle to date. At one point, I thought he was a fringe first-round pick, but now I'd be shocked if he makes it out of the top ten."

I've been told that the Vikings have been looking for a young quarterback to develop even before Kirk Cousins decided to move on this off-season by signing with the Atlanta Falcons. And this offseason, they don't seem to be trying to keep it a secret now that Cousins' time in Minnesota has ended. Some may think this is an overpay by the Vikings for McCarthy due to his passing stats at Michigan being a bit lackluster compared to the top 3. However, many around the league believe McCarthy's talent is there; he just didn't have to display it at Michigan due to the abundance of talent on their roster. While he ended up being the fourth QB drafted here, who knows, if he lands in Minnesota, he might be in the best situation of any of the rookie QBs in this year's class.

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