It feels like with most NFL mock drafts that it’s a question of when the Minnesota Vikings will trade up for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
It makes sense for the Vikings, who probably don’t want to jump into the top-3 of the 2024 NFL draft because it’s mega-expensive. But after three QBs (say, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels) are taken? It could work.
In the latest 2024 NFL mock draft from our Christian D’Andrea, he’s actually got the Vikings going up to No. to get Maye from North Carolina. But in the latest 2024 mock from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, he’s got the Vikings moving up No. 8 to get McCarthy:
McCarthy is a great fit with the Vikings considering his skill set — he’s accurate and mobile — and the infrastructure in place in Minnesota. The Vikings have Sam Darnold, so there’s no pressure to start a rookie QB in Week 1. McCarthy’s 88.2 QBR was third in the nation last season, and he has a ton of upside — he just might need some time to adjust to the pro game.
Make sure to check out our latest two-round mock draft from Christian D’Andrea, and also his “all-trades” NFL mock draft with every pick getting traded.