EAGAN, Minn. — The closer we get to the 2024 NFL Draft, the more frequently external experts agree the Vikings will choose a quarterback in the first round.

Variance increases from which QB to where that player will be selected from and what will be required for Minnesota to move up the board in a potential trade.

The Minnesota Vikings hold the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and have eight additional picks, including the 23^rd selection that was acquired in a trade with Houston on March 15.

The Vikings have picked inside the top 12 just 23 times in franchise history. Twice those selections netted a quarterback: Christian Ponder (2011 No. 12 pick) and Daunte Culpepper (1999 No. 11 pick).

Other notable top 12 selections include Adrian Peterson (2007 No. 7 pick), Bryant McKinnie (2002 No. 7 pick), Kevin Williams (2003 No. 9 pick) and Anthony Barr (2014 No. 9 pick). Three players selected in the top 12 — Carl Eller (1964 No. 6 pick), Ron Yary (1968 No. 1 pick), and Chris Doleman (1985 No. 4 pick) — made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held from April 25-27. The first round begins on April 25. Rounds 2 and 3 follow on April 26, and the final four rounds will occur April 27.

Here is the sixth version of our Vikings 2024 Mock Draft Tracker, which includes 29 recent predictions from across football media (Version 1.0 and Version 2.0 and Version 3.0 and Version 4.0 and Version 5.0).

A quarterback was involved in 27 of the 29 mock drafts. Twenty of the 29 mocks projected trades for the Vikings to move up and select J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan or Drake Maye out of North Carolina. McCarthy was projected to Minnesota 15 times (11 involved trades), and Maye was linked 10 times (nine involved trades).

Oregon's Bo Nix made his way to Minnesota two times (once with the 11^th pick, followed by Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, and once via the 23^rd selection), and Washington's Michael Penix, Jr., was projected in one mock draft (with the 23^rd selection).

Both mocks that involved the Vikings adding a QB with their second first-round pick projected Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at the 11^th spot.

Cornerback Terrion Arnold was projected to the Vikings at 11 in one mock, and Minnesota added Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton at 23 in that projection.

Here's a look at our sixth Vikings 2024 Mock Draft Tracker:

ESPN's Field Yates

April 3, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Projected trade: Vikings send Nos. 11 and 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to the Chargers to move up to No. 5.

Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy's combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet. The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success. McCarthy completed 72.3 percent of his passes and threw only four interceptions last season.

Click here for Yates' full mock draft.

ESPN's Matt Miller (seven rounds)

March 27, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 3: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Projected trade: Vikings send Nos. 11 and 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to the Patriots to move up to No. 3.

Maye is big-armed and mobile, with the tools to thrive under [Head Coach] Kevin O'Connell. With a star left tackle in Christian Darrisaw, arguably the league's best receiver in Justin Jefferson and a very good WR2 in second-year player Jordan Addison, the Vikings offensive supporting cast is perfect for a rookie quarterback. Maye is raw, and in many situations, it would be best for him to sit and learn for a year, but the Minnesota structure could get him on the field early. He has thrown for 7,929 yards and 62 TD passes over the past two seasons.

The predicted pick at No. 108: Myles Harden, Cornerback, South Dakota

The predicted pick at No. 129: Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Defensive End, Notre Dame

The predicted pick at No. 157: Isaac Guerendo, Running Back, Louisville

The predicted pick at No. 167: Nehemiah Pritchett, Cornerback, Auburn

The predicted pick at No. 177: Jha'Quan Jackson, Receiver, Tulane

The predicted pick at No. 230: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Receiver, Georgia

The predicted pick at No. 232: Cedric Johnson, Defensive End, Mississippi

Click here for Miller's full mock draft.

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman

April 4, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4 (after a trade with the Cardinals): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Kirk Cousins is off to Atlanta. Kevin O'Connell needs a new quarterback to utilize a talented group of receivers. I hear the Vikings are very interested in McCarthy, who went 27-1 as the Wolverines starter and led Michigan to the national title last year. The 6-2 ½-inch, 219-pound McCarthy didn't put up the gaudy stats that the rest of these first-round quarterbacks did, but he operated in a different system and has honed pro-style footwork after three years in Jim Harbaugh's system. There were also several conference games in which he played just one series in the second half of a blowout win.

In two seasons as Michigan's starter, McCarthy threw 44 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's got good wheels, too, having run for nine touchdowns and more than 500 yards. His agility showed up in Indianapolis, where he posted a 6.82 3-cone drill time — sixth fastest among all players at the combine and best by a quarterback in five years. His completion rate improved from below 65 percent to over 72 percent last year. He put some more air on his deep ball, making him more accurate. Michigan coaches loved his leadership skills and his demeanor, with one saying: "He doesn't have a bad day. And if he does, he doesn't let anybody know it, and that's the mark of a good leader." Even more impressive, coaches say, is his intellect and his understanding of coverage. After a drive, his coaches would ask what the coverages were, "and he'd be exactly right."

The Coaching Intel

Note: Feldman interviewed dozens of college football coaches and NFL sources and granted them anonymity for the following section.

"I think too many people are getting caught up trying to look at box scores instead of watching film. He makes a lot of plays for them after the play breaks down. There's some 'wow' stuff in there. He's on a dead sprint, and he makes some perfect throws. When he has to get out and make a play, he can really do it."

"We thought he throws a little bit of a flat ball, and you wouldn't see much of him layering it in there. But he's really dynamic. You wanted to keep him in the pocket, but he'd still get out whenever they needed him to, and he's great throwing on the run. He could get out to his left or his right and get you, but especially going to his right."

"I thought he was great. You could tell he was the alpha male on that team from a leadership standpoint. He was coached up well on how to make throws and make the decisions very fast. He throws very well on the run. He did have a really good O-line and a good defense, but we didn't think their wide receivers were great, and he made it all go."

Click here for Feldman's full mock draft.

The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner

April 8, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4 (after a trade with the Cardinals for Nos. 11, 23 and a 2025 first-round pick): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

The first trade in our mock is the one everyone's sort of waiting on — Minnesota clearly didn't make all these moves to sit at No. 11. The Vikings need a QB. The only question is how high they're willing to move up for one. [Jayden] Daniels doesn't rank among my top 10 prospects this draft; McCarthy isn't in my top 15. But the market is the market.

Click here for Baumgardner's full mock draft.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis (seven rounds)

April 4, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 17 (after a trade with Jacksonville): Byron Murphy II, Defensive Tackle, Texas

You are probably wondering, Wait … No. 17? How'd that happen? Here was the thought process: Which team is focused enough on the short term to move up in exchange for multiple selections? The Jacksonville Jaguars seemed like an obvious answer, and they have an intriguing second-round pick at No. 48. The mock trade? Minnesota sends No. 11 and No. 108 for No. 17 and No. 48, allowing the Vikings to plug two holes with premium picks.

The first is on the interior of the defensive line. Murphy might not fall to No. 17, but the Vikings will show interest if he does. He isn't massive, but he is a pass-rushing force inside. Add him alongside a proven run stuffer in Harrison Phillips, and pair his penetration ability with edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, and Minnesota's defensive front will have undergone a serious makeover.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Michael Penix, Jr., Quarterback, Washington

Penix's evaluation is complex. He is a 6-foot-3, 213-pound lefty who throws arguably the best deep ball in the 2024 draft class. In 2023, he led all college quarterbacks in completions of 20 yards or more. Inconsistency plagues Penix at times, especially underneath with touch passes. His anticipation skills and sneaky athletic ability cover up for potential health concerns.

O'Connell has not tipped his hand on his favorite prospects. He prefers QB options who can play in rhythm and on time from the pocket. Penix brings some of these attributes. He is also a leader who could fit seamlessly in the Vikings locker room. Some might perceive drafting him at No. 23 as a bit early, but as we stated earlier, this is under the presumption that O'Connell would be identifying Penix as his priority in the event the Vikings cannot trade up.

The predicted pick at No. 48: Cooper Beebe, Guard, Kansas State

The Vikings could benefit from another defensive player here, but their offensive-line depth is older and without much upside. Picking up an experienced guard like Beebe would infuse [offensive line coach] Chris Kuper's group with more talent and keep Minnesota from having to overpay for a free agent.

Beebe started all 13 games in 2023 at left guard for Kansas State. He became the first consensus All-American offensive lineman in school history. Arm length and overall quickness might hinder his pulling ability, but Beebe is stout and reliable. Plugging that player into the front would solidify the team's offensive plans.

The predicted pick at No. 129: Marist Liufau, Linebacker, Notre Dame

Had the Vikings not unearthed Ivan Pace, Jr., last year, linebacker would be more of a priority. Brian Asamoah II, a third-round pick in 2022, has played minimally. Veteran Kamu Grugier-Hill and developmental youngster Abraham Beauplan could be serviceable backups, but Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores could use more juice. [The Vikings also signed Blake Cashman during free agency].

A couple of Vikings coaches attended Notre Dame's Pro Day. Liufau is somewhat undersized at 6-2 and 234 pounds. His athletic traits breed bursts of quickness in the middle of the field. He also has man coverage ability. Filling gaps and securing tackles may require work, but at the least, he could begin as an impact player on special teams.

The predicted pick at No. 157: Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian

Hunt began his college football career at Cornell. Once a safety, he spent three seasons in the Ivy League before transferring to Houston Christian. He aged and added mass, transitioning into an edge rusher. The secondary traits remain, so evaluators are optimistic about his movement skills and potential for further development.

The Vikings triaged their edge rusher room with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Jihad Ward and Pat Jones II are depth candidates. Hunt may need time to strengthen his frame, but why not take a swing on that type of player in the fifth round?

The predicted pick at No. 167: MarShawn Lloyd, Running Back, USC

Minnesota does not necessarily need to draft a running back. The team still has faith in Ty Chandler as an explosive change of pace to Aaron Jones, and 2023 seventh-rounder DeWayne McBride is still with the organization. Lloyd makes sense if the Vikings want to take a swing. He's short in stature at 5-9, but his explosiveness is undeniable. He averaged 3.97 yards per carry after contact last season, according to TruMedia, ranking 25^th among 207 qualified running backs, and averaged 7.1 yards per carry overall.

The predicted pick at No. 177: Nehemiah Pritchett, Cornerback, Auburn

The more man-cover corners the Vikings can get, the better for Flores. Pritchett's best attribute is his athleticism. He is 6 feet, 190 pounds and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. His length allows him to play in press, too, bothering opposing receivers underneath. He isn't as fluid a mover or as accomplished as, say, a Quinyon Mitchell type, but the Vikings can't be picky this late. Get a player like Mitchell in the first round (in place of Murphy), and the Vikings could pursue a defensive tackle in this range or even earlier (think Mitchell, Penix and Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske at No. 48).

The predicted pick at No. 230: Jordan Whittington, Receiver, Texas

Seventh-round wide receivers are long-range dart throws, but here's why Whittington makes sense: He's big (6-1, 205 pounds), he is willing to run block and evaluators rave about his intangibles. Add him to one of the most impressive receiver rooms in the NFL — with one of the best wide receiver coaches in Keenan McCardell — and who knows where Whittington's willingness to get dirty gets him, especially without K.J. Osborn?

The predicted pick at No. 232: JD Bertrand, Linebacker, Notre Dame

Another Notre Dame linebacker? Why not? Bertrand was a team captain in college and may ultimately land as a special-teamer. His frame is unimpressive at 6-1 and 235 pounds, but his production is solid. Blocks may swallow him up in the run game, but the flier feels worthwhile this late.

Click here for Lewis' full mock draft.

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News (seven rounds)

April 8, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

The Vikings will do their best to move up, as they now have two first-rounders in play, but McCarthy's live arm and gritty athletic playmaking should appeal to them here should he fall past the non-QB needy teams.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Johnny Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois

The Vikings will be focused on their QB first, and with no pressing offensive concerns, they can continue to revamp their defense for DC Brian Flores after landing Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman in free agency. Newton can give them additional pass-rush pop up front.

The predicted pick at No. 108: Tommy Eichenberg, Linebacker, Ohio State

The predicted pick at No. 129: Renardo Green, Cornerback, Florida State

The predicted pick at No. 157: Bub Means, Receiver, Pittsburgh

The predicted pick at No. 167: Tyler Davis, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

The predicted pick at No. 177: Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi

The predicted pick at No. 230: Cody Schrader, Running Back, Missouri

The predicted pick at No. 232: Zakhari Franklin, Receiver, Mississippi

Click here for Iyer's full mock draft.

Eric Galko, CBS Sports

April 8, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 3 (after a trade with Patriots): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

First of what should be a trade-active first round. Whether it's the Patriots or another team picking, I'd expect Drake Maye to be this pick. The Vikings are maybe the best rookie quarterback situation of any team in the market during the draft, and Maye can learn behind Sam Darnold for at least the start of his rookie year.

Click here for Galko's full mock draft.

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

April 2, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

J.J. McCarthy is an incredibly efficient passer who operated in a predominantly run-heavy offense. He is slight of frame but has the mobility and accuracy to make plays out of structure. McCarthy does not have the strongest arm but throws with touch to all three levels. He is a tough player who has consistently won at every level of his career.

Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

April 5, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with Chargers): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Drake Maye is a tall pocket passer with some athletic juice. He has a live arm with a compact release. He drives the football with ease and throws a gorgeous spiral with high regularity. His accuracy to all levels is very good, but there are a few seemingly uncharacteristic misses deep. His misses are typically low/behind. He was utilized in the designed run game in college, but it will be somewhat of a stretch to see him succeed doing that in the NFL. Has a flair for making plays on the run and can be a useful, [Patrick] Mahomes-like scrambler. The natural playmaker gene is there, as he rarely gives up on a play. He wants to rip the vertical shot down the seam/numbers. He truly can make every throw, and his arm talent borders on elite. His high-arcing touch is good, not amazing. He can make impressive throws with defenders draped on him. His pocket presence is solid, but sometimes awkward when navigating. He has lots of experience reading the entire field. Overall, he has a great blend of pocket passing, arm talent, accuracy, and athleticism. He's a very impressive QB prospect for the modern-day NFL.

Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

April 4, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Los Angeles trades out of the No. 5 overall selection, which puts it in a position to do what it really wants, which is take an offensive lineman. Minnesota is given the opportunity to take a quarterback, but it comes at a great cost.

Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports

April 5, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

The Vikings have two first-round picks and didn't have to package them together to move up to get the QB they want. Can you imagine? Opinions on McCarthy vary, but what he's shown an ability to do well lines up with what Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings ask their QB to do. The reason you keep seeing the Vikings connected to McCarthy is because it just makes sense.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

The Vikings have added a couple of edge rushers in free agency after losing Danielle Hunter, but you can never have enough. Chop Robinson could be the best pure pass-rusher of the class, and while he's not as well-rounded as others, Minnesota wouldn't need him to be a three-down player right away.

Click here for Fornelli's full mock draft.

Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports

March 28, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 3 (after a trade with Patriots): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Of teams with top-three picks, it seems as though the Patriots have the weakest roster. So, while New England badly wants to find a long-term successor to Tom Brady, it opts to trade back eight spots and acquire valuable assets it can use to build out its team under new Head Coach Jerod Mayo. Meanwhile, the Vikings get their Kirk Cousins replacement in Drake Maye using the second first-round pick they gained in a trade with the Texans.

Click here for Stackpole's full mock draft.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

April 2, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4 (after a trade with Cardinals): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

They make the bold move to go get a quarterback, which they must do. Drake Maye is rumored to be their guy.

Click here for Prisco's full mock draft.

Tony Catalina, Pro Football Network

April 7, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4 (after a trade with Cardinals): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: The Vikings receive the fourth overall pick; the Cardinals receive the 11^th and 23^rd overall picks.

This is where things get wild. The Minnesota Vikings have been preparing for this move and found a willing partner in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft in the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona loses the chance at Marvin Harrison, Jr., with this decision but now holds three first-round picks to build its roster in a big way.

The Vikings make an aggressive move and get their guy. J.J. McCarthy looks to be the first eyebrow-raising move of the NFL's annual selection event, and the Vikings take who they think can be their replacement for Kirk Cousins.

Click here for Catalina's full mock draft.

Wil Helms, Pro Football Network (three rounds)

April 8, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 6 (after a trade with Giants): J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: Vikings receive Nos. 6 and 47; Giants receive Nos. 11, 23 and 129

If the Vikings can be patient, they can get J.J. McCarthy and a second-round pick back in a trade up. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Minnesota will package both first-rounders to move up for a quarterback.

Most trade value charts suggest moving up to 3 or 4 is substantially more costly than moving up to 6, so patience could help Minnesota get McCarthy and an extra weapon.

The predicted pick at No. 47 (after the trade with Giants): Christian Haynes, Guard, Connecticut

Click here for Helms' full mock draft.

James Fragoza, Pro Football Network (seven rounds)

April 6, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama

The Vikings don't need "potential" at corner — they need a sure thing. Enter Terrion Arnold. He may never be able to beat an elite WR 1-on-1, but there are few holes in his game. Arnold is instinctual in zone, can wrap up in the open field, and, as with any Alabama DB, is well-coached.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Johnny Newton, Defensive Tackle, Illinois

After bolstering their CB room with their first Round 1 pick, the Vikings double-dip on defense and add Johnny Newton to the front four. Newton is violence incarnate, aiming to take the heads off QBs' shoulders. His hand usage and block-shedding ability make him a star in all phases.

The predicted pick at No. 108: Austin Booker, Edge, Kansas

The predicted pick at No. 129: Isaiah Adams, Guard, Illinois

The predicted pick at No. 157: Joe Milton III, Quarterback, Tennessee

The predicted pick at No. 167: Jacob Cowing, Receiver, Arizona

The predicted pick at No. 177: Omar Speights, Linebacker, LSU

The predicted pick at No. 230: Mason Pline, Tight End, Furman

The predicted pick at No. 232: C.J. Hanson, Guard, Holy Cross

Click here for Fragoza's full mock draft.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports

April 3, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon

This surely isn't what Vikings fans have in mind when mulling all the possibilities for their future at quarterback – and perhaps this move would go over better if Nix or Washington's Michael Penix, Jr., were the pick at No. 23. But if Minnesota is unable to engineer a trade into the top five, it might need to pounce here or else risk losing out on another one of its preferred options behind center. Nix's extensive experience and command both before and after the snap would come in handy for a Vikings team looking to remain competitive as it undergoes a seismic shift.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

If this selection doesn't factor into Minnesota's quarterback plan, the Vikings decision to trade into the spot will draw plenty of scorn. But with an incoming rookie signal-caller already selected, DeJean is an intriguing option as a versatile chess piece in coverage. And Brian Flores would no doubt be intrigued with the possibilities he can offer as a blitzer.

Click here for Middlehurst-Schwartz's full mock draft.

Diante Lee, The 33^rd Team

April 8, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 2: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Trade: Vikings receive Nos. 2 and 40 and send Nos. 11 and 23 and 2025 first- and fourth-round picks to Commanders.

It takes some real job security and a long-term vision to hand away so much control at the top of the draft, but I'm simulating this trade on the assumption that Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters and [Head Coach] Dan Quinn are safe for a long-term rebuild, and netting several first rounders will go a long way to turning things around.

As for the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O'Connell would love a quarterback who works the middle of the field, anticipates throwing windows and consistently stands in the pocket to deliver the ball when he's pressured. Drake Maye needs some cleaning up, but he's the best non-Caleb Williams quarterback to maximize Justin Jefferson's prime.

Click here for Lee's full mock draft.

Marcus Mosher, The 33^rd Team

April 4, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: Vikings receive Nos. 4 and 71 and send Nos. 11 and 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to Cardinals.

The Cardinals are willing to move around the board, especially if the right offer comes in. And with the Minnesota Vikings offering three first-round picks for No. 4, the offer is too good to pass up.

The Vikings need a franchise quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy is the last viable option. While it's a lot to give up, McCarthy has the tools and athleticism to thrive in Kevin O'Connell's offense.

Ian Valentino, The 33^rd Team

April 1, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 3: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: Vikings receive No. 3 and a 2025 third-round pick and send Nos. 11 and 23 and a 2025 first-round pick to Patriots.

We know the Minnesota Vikings want to trade up, and it'll be a pricey endeavor. New England has a ton of needs, so while trading out a quarterback here is painful, the team would benefit from adding an extra first-round pick in 2024 and 2025. In exchange, Minnesota gets its choice of QB3 options.

J.J. McCarthy is getting a lot of buzz right now. He's a more fluid athlete and has a stronger arm than Maye. Both players project well in Kevin O'Connell's offense, but the McCarthy train wins out in this mock.

Click here for Valentino's full mock draft.

Bleacher Report Scouting Dept.

April 1, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: Vikings receive No. 5 pick and send Nos. 11 and 23 and "a potential middle-round pick or two" to Chargers.

The Minnesota Vikings already began their march toward a trade up into this year's top five selections.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded 2024 second- and sixth-round selections, as well as a '25 second-round pick, to the Houston Texans for this year's 23^rd overall pick and a seventh-round choice. Minnesota could stay in its initial slots and wait to see which quarterback remains available later in the first. But it's far more likely the Vikings will be aggressive and move up for a quarterback.

In this particular case, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy is the target and ideal choice.

"McCarthy fits everything the Vikings offense wants to be," Derrik Klassen said. "Though an imperfect prospect, McCarthy throws with good velocity, manages the pocket relatively well and is uber-aggressive over the middle of the field. That checks all the boxes Head Coach Kevin O'Connell needs to develop McCarthy into a worthwhile quarterback.

"With all of that said, it may take some time to clean up McCarthy's footwork, improve his touch accuracy and generally get him up to speed with NFL processing."

Click here for Bleacher full mock draft.

Adam Rank, NFL.com

April 8, 2024

Note: Rank, who is known more for humorous takes instead of analysis, issued a disclaimer, "THIS ISN'T A PREDICTIVE MOCK."

The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Listen Vikings, I wouldn't trade up for a quarterback. There is a good chance someone falls. I don't see QBs coming off the board with the first four picks. It's never happened before and won't happen now. In this scenario, you have your choice between Drake Maye and McCarthy. I don't know, but it seems like McCarthy is the most Vikings-like quarterback in this draft.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

This is assuming you still have this pick, Vikings. I know you could package this with No. 11 to move up for a quarterback, but I'm still confident you can stick on your first pick to get your signal-caller. And as a bonus, I see teams being a bit hesitant about Latu because of his medical history, so you get him at great value here. Latu might be risky for those picking in the top 10, but with this being your second first-round pick, I say you take a swing at the technically refined QB hunter.

Click here for Rank's full mock draft.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com (five rounds)

April 5, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: Byron Murphy II, Defensive Tackle, Texas

Minnesota goes for an impact defender with the first of their two Round 1 picks, choosing Murphy over edge Jared Verse. Murphy's a coveted player because he can attack quarterbacks from the interior and use his low center of gravity to hold firm at the line of scrimmage.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon

History repeats itself with Minnesota matching its 2014 draft plan, taking its top player on the board early (LB Anthony Barr at No. 9 overall) before snagging a quarterback later on in Round 1 (Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32). Baltimore did something similar in 2018, when taking tight end Hayden Hurst 25^th overall before moving up for Lamar Jackson seven picks later. Nix may not carry an elite grade like the top four quarterbacks in this class, so Minnesota patiently follows its board instead of reaching.

The predicted pick at No. 108: Cam Little, Kicker, Arkansas

The predicted pick at No. 129: Christian Mahogany, Guard, Boston College

The predicted pick at No. 157: Javon Baker, Receiver, UCF

The predicted pick at No. 167: Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan

Click here for Reuter's full mock draft.

Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com

April 4, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 5 (after a trade with Chargers): Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

The Vikings acquired an additional first-round pick last month for this reason. With Maye available here, Minnesota jumps at the opportunity to select a quarterback with ties to new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown. Maye's big arm and ability to evade pressure in the pocket should excite Vikings fans.

Click here for Jones-Drew's full mock draft.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

April 2, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

Trade: Vikings receive No. 4 pick after sending Nos. 11 and 23 to Cardinals.

In the wake of the Giants vaulting into the No. 3 spot for a quarterback, the Vikings are still able to move up for a signal-caller of their own by giving the Cardinals pick Nos. 11 and 23. McCarthy should pair nicely with Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota.

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

March 29, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 4: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Trade: Vikings receive No. 4 pick after sending Nos. 11 and 23 to Cardinals.

Adding a second first-rounder via trade was key for the Vikings, providing Minnesota with the currency to entice an Arizona team that is very much open for business, given that [Cardinals GM] Monti Ossenfort and Co. have several needs to fill. The Vikes can still upgrade the offensive line, defense and wide receiver later in the draft, but in Round 1, they pounce on Maye, who might have the most upside of the entire QB bunch.

Click here for Edholm's full mock draft.

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com

March 26, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Kevin O'Connell and Co. might have to move up the board to land a franchise quarterback, and they have two first-round picks to help them maneuver. Maye, an athletic playmaker with A-plus arm talent and mobility, is a perfect fit for the Vikings offense.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

Adding a defensive back with a high football IQ and positional flexibility would give Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores another weapon to feature in his aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme.

Click here for Brooks' full mock draft.

Charles Davis, NFL.com

March 28, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 11: J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

The Vikings made a big move, picking up a second selection in the first round to, presumably, help them make an even bigger move up the board for a quarterback. In this scenario, they stay put and still land their QB.

The predicted pick at No. 23: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama

The Vikings continue to look to upgrade their defense and combat the potent offenses of their division rivals.

Click here for Davis' full mock draft.

Danny Kelly, The Ringer

March 28, 2024

The predicted pick at No. 3: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

Trade: The Vikings receive the No. 3 pick after sending the Nos. 11, 23 and 108 picks and a 2025 first-round pick to the Patriots.

There's a ton of smoke around the Vikings and their supposed love for J.J. McCarthy, but those reports may simply be a well-orchestrated smoke screen. Minnesota makes a huge move here to move up to the no. 3 spot and take Maye. For the Patriots, it gives new de facto GM Eliot Wolf and first-time Head Coach Jerod Mayo some much-needed draft capital, from which that duo can start to rebuild its substandard roster. For the Vikings, the team lands its successor to Kirk Cousins. It's a fantastic landing spot for Maye, too, who will be throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and (eventually) T.J. Hockenson.

Click here for Kelly's full mock draft.