Nov 19, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) looks to pass against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports.
VikingsTerritory writers were asked to predict the Minnesota Vikings’ 1st-Round draft pick(s). For clarity, they were told to throw their personal wishlist out the window.
These are predictions.
Each writer was instructed to consider a trade-up, a trade-back, or the team remaining at the Nos. 11 and 23 spots. After careful and months-long deliberation, here’s how our nine writers arrived at the prediction finish line.
The NFL draft occurs on April 25th in Detroit, so five days away.
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The Minnesota Vikings need a new captain after Kirk Cousins’ departure, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy can fill that void. Trading up to get their guy costs the Vikes both first-rounders in 2024 and the top pick next season, but if he can live up to his potential, he will be worth it. McCarthy excels in key moments of the game, and his athleticism is a nice change from the previous passers.
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
The Vikings need a quarterback, and they find a willing trade partner in the Los Angeles Chargers, who take on Nos. 11, 23, and 167 to move back. McCarthy is a proven winner, young, and oozes of confidence + leadership abilities. Kevin O’Connell gets his quarterback for the future.
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Best guess would be an outcome that a lot of people foresee: a move up the board to snag J.J. McCarthy. Vikings find a trade partner in Harbaugh’s Chargers without needing to dip into the 2025 pick total.
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
The 11th, 23rd, and 2025 first for the 4th overall selection of Arizona’s. Minnesota gets McCarthy. It’s steep, and the options ideally would be better, but this is where it shakes out. Now, O’Connell has to make it work.
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
Here it goes. Vikings trade 11, 23, and next year’s third for the Cardinals’ fourth pick and grab JJM.
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
It’s time.
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
The Vikings will get to pick 3. They will trade 11, 23, their 2025 1st, and 2025 3rd to go get Drake Maye. He’s raw but talented and could be an ideal fit for KOC’s scheme.
Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson
“We have a trade to announce: the New England Patriots trade the 3rd pick in the first round to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are on the clock…”
1.03 the Vikings take Drake Maye, quarterback, North Carolina. In a historic move, GM KAM trades 1.11, 1.23, 2025 1st, 2026 1st, and Safety Lewis Cine to the NE Patriots for 1.03, 3.03, and a 2026 2nd. KOC gets his guy, and Minnesota remains somewhat flexible in this year’s draft.
Prediction Maker = Adam New
Maybe I’m buying into the hype, but it appears to me that Minnesota wants Drake Maye. If he gets past Washington at pick 2, they will give New England whatever it takes to get a deal done — probably including picks 11, 23, and next year’s first.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream,”The Sopranos” Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.