The Minnesota Vikings are coming into the 2024 NFL draft with some big questions at the quarterback spot. If not for the 2024 season, certainly in the years to come. Even if Kirk Cousins does come back, he’s not the long-term answer for Minnesota, and that answer isn’t on the roster. But what do they do in the draft if they can’t get a QB?
That’s the scenario that NBC Sports’ Eric Froton explores in his latest mock draft. Rather than trading up to ensure they get a QB, Froton has the Vikings staying at 11 and watching as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy all come off the board before their pick. What does that leave them with? According to Froton, it’s Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner.
I’m sure the Skol faithful would prefer QB J.J. McCarthy fall to this spot, so they can begin the succession plan from current QB Kirk Cousins. However, I satiated the NYG’s desire for a Daniel Jones exit plan already, so in this scenario the Vikings take Dallas Turner, who is the most athletically gifted pass rusher from the last Alabama team of the legendary Nick Saban-era. Turner is a fluid mover who attacks OTs with zero apprehension and expects to win every engagement. He could easily be selected in the top 10, but is the first defensive player selected so far in this mock.
For most Vikings fans, this is likely a nightmare scenario, sitting back as the top four QBs come off the board with no moves made. However, Minnesota is likely going to need an influx of talent at EDGE, too, and Turner would come in and immediately upgrade the position depth — and potentially help ease the blow of losing Danielle Hunter.
