In an assertive move to shape their roster for the upcoming NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings orchestrated two major trades during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The team focused on key positions by selecting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at the 10th overall pick and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at the 17th.
As the night unfolded at the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, it became clear that the team was on a mission to acquire top-tier talent. J.J. McCarthy, who led Michigan to a national championship, was picked 10th overall, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in Vikings history, surpassing Daunte Culpepper’s 11th overall pick in 1999. McCarthy’s selection reflects the team’s long-term vision for a cornerstone quarterback who has proven his capability on the national stage.
Later in the round, the Vikings made another strategic move by trading up six spots from the 23rd to the 17th pick to secure Alabama’s Dallas Turner, a top-rated edge rusher. This marked the first time since 2005 that the Vikings had drafted a pass rusher in the first round, the last being Erasmus James. Turner, known for his exceptional athleticism and a standout performance at the scouting combine, where he led all edge rushers with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Vikings’ defensive lineup.
#### The Trades
To secure these top picks, the Vikings executed trades that underscored their aggressive draft strategy. For McCarthy, they moved up one spot, trading with the Jets to ensure no other team could snatch the promising quarterback. For Turner, they sent the 167th overall pick along with third and fourth-round picks in 2025 to Jacksonville, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering their defense with high-caliber talent.
With no picks scheduled for the second and third rounds, the Vikings’ focus shifts to the final day of the draft, where they hold five picks. The moves made in the first round are a clear signal of the franchise’s direction—investing in a potential franchise quarterback and enhancing their defensive prowess with a premier edge rusher.As the Vikings prepare for the upcoming season, the impact of these first-round selections will be keenly observed both on and off the field. The expectation is that McCarthy and Turner will not only fill critical roles but also evolve into leaders who will shape the team’s identity in the years to come.
This strategic draft approach highlights the Vikings’ commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their roster, aiming for competitiveness and success in the NFL landscape.
