The Minnesota Vikings got their quarterback. The Vikings traded with the New York Jets to move up in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday.
And with the 10th overall pick, Minnesota selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings-Jets Trade Details
In the end, the Vikings traded up without sacrificing both of their first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 23). Per multiple reports, here are the trade details:
Vikings get: 2024 R1 (No. 10), R6 (No. 203)
Jets get: 2024 R1 (No. 11), R4 (No. 129), R5 (No. 157)
McCarthy is coming off a fantastic season at Michigan that saw him lead the Wolverines to a national title.
Young (21) and inexperienced, McCarthy wasn’t asked to do much at Michigan. He rarely carried the team, instead serving as a high-level game manager with excellent leadership.
MORE: Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Grades 2024
But when asked to make big plays, McCarthy usually delivered. His tape is impressive, and he reportedly was excellent at Michigan’s pro day.
Will the ability McCarthy showed in limited opportunities eventually translate to a long, successful career in the NFL? That remains to be seen. But the Vikings are hoping he’s their quarterback of the future.
In the meantime, McCarthy will compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job in training camp.
Jets Draft Olu Fashanu
New York fans probably wanted the Jets to draft Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
However, the Jets used the No. 11 pick on Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu, whom many viewed as the second-best offensive lineman in the draft. He was the third off the board, following tackles Joe Alt (No. 5, Los Angeles Chargers) and JC Lathaam (No. 7, Tennessee Titans)
KEEP READING: New York Jets NFL Draft Grades 2024
Fashanu should be a plug-and-play starter at left tackle. Ranked No. 9 on the Pro Football Network Big Board, Fashanu has the size and ability to franchise tackle in the NFL.
Ultimately, the Jets decided that protecting Aaron Rodgers was more important than adding another offensive weapon. They’re probably right.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
