The Minnesota Vikings are just one of many teams looking to fix their franchise’s biggest problem, quarterback, in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots control the first three picks and have their choice of whichever of the big four in this class fall their way. Caleb Williams is etched in stone at this point to be a Bear. After that, it is anyone’s guess as to where everyone ends up.
The ultimate controllers of chaos in this situation are the Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, who hold the No. 4 overall pick. Both teams are seen as having quarterback situations — a bridge solution for the Patriots and a franchise starter in Arizona — that allow flexibility. That flexibility will come as a potential trade back with someone looking to solve their problem.
We mentioned the teams at the top of the draft, but their teams are on the outside looking in: the Denver Broncos and, of course, the Vikings. For the Vikings specifically, they have made it a point to have several options regardless of how the draw unfolds 10 days from today.
At last week’s pre-draft press conference, Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was asked: Is there a world where you don’t draft or trade up for a quarterback? Adofo-Mensah gave a very honest answer.
LIVE: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks to the media ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft https://t.co/saWPovYlsE
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 11, 2024
“You have to be ready for everything; it’s a very deep class,” he said. “But I do think you have to be ready for every scenario. If there are elite players at premium positions on the board, I don’t think you’re supposed to reach or force or anything like that. It’s just not what I believe, all the while understanding that quarterback is the most important position in the sport. So, it’s calculating both those things at the same time.”
The Vikings clearly need to trade up for a quarterback. Adofo-Mensah is in a unique situation, though, and he is well aware of that. The team will have to give up significant draft capital if they move up. They have the 11th and 23rd overall picks to start the draft; after that, their capital dwindles. They must dip into 2025’s group of picks to complete any trade.
Will Adofo-Mensah be willing to do that? His draft history during his tenure with the Vikings has its fair share of hits, but the misses have piled up. Trading up for what is perceived as a “sure thing” will be enticing. What can’t and won’t be forgotten is in the NFL there is nothing close to a sure thing.