2024 DRAFT DAY: BLOCKBUSTER TRADES BECKON?
The NFL Draft has the potential to be franchise-defining for all 32 teams – choose correctly and your playoff prospects increase multifold for the next 5-10 years. As a result, when a head coach and general manager have their heart set on a player – particularly a quarterback – they will rarely shy away from a blockbuster trade in order to move up in the draft and claim their guy.
The 2024 draft class has no shortage of top talent, particularly at signal-caller, with the likes of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye on the cards. While Williams’ fate as the first overall pick seems all but sealed, there are numerous teams eyeing the remaining QB prospects – many of whom possess the necessary draft capital to make a splash on Draft Day. As executives continue to review potential trade scenarios, we break down three teams that could be poised to move up the board on April 25th.
Minnesota Vikings
After six solid seasons, the Minnesota Vikings made the difficult decision to move on from franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins – with the 4x Pro Bowler quickly putting pen to paper on a four-year, $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
While the move undoubtedly provided Minnesota with increased cap flexibility, it also left them with a gaping hole at the sport’s most pivotal position. In an initial attempt to fill the void, the Vikings did sign former third overall pick Sam Darnold, to a one-year deal. However, it is widely acknowledged that despite his promise coming out of college, Darnold is likely not their franchise QB – prompting widespread conjecture around the Vikings potentially targeting a new QB in this year’s draft.
Speculation was fuelled when the Vikings made a sensational trade with the Houston Texans to acquire the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft – joining pick number 11 – giving Minnesota two first-round picks. With an already stacked roster – boasting Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and the recently-signed Aaron Jones, it seems only logical that the Vikings use both picks as ammunition to mount a charge into the top 10 to select their future QB – paving the way for Sam Darnold to mentor the incoming prospect.
Potential Targets: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy
The @Vikings move into the TOP 5 in our first MOCK DRAFT of the year 👀#Decyfr #NFL #SKOL | @UKVikings pic.twitter.com/Qu8DrqvKDH
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) April 5, 2024
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton wasted no time making his presence felt when he signed on as head coach of the Denver Broncos last February – particularly when it came to his view on the QB situation at the time. As a result, Payton and the Broncos made the decision to take a huge financial hit and part ways with Russell Wilson this offseason.
While the team have seemingly backed 27-year-old Jarrett Stidham under center, it’s safe to assume that the Broncos wouldn’t take on an $85 million dead cap hit unless they had a clear plan in place and a promising new QB1 in mind.
As it stands, the Broncos have the 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft. While a relatively high pick, the expectation is that all four of the top QB prospects will be off the board by the time Denver are on the clock – leaving them with potentially Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. – both of whom are widely regarded as second-round players. It seems only logical, therefore, that the Broncos explore a trade into the top 10 to snatch one of the prime prospects. A logic that seems to align with Payton’s thinking who, when asked about potentially trading up at the 2024 NFL Annual Meeting, said: “I think it’s realistic.”
How far the Broncos are able to move up is hard to determine – particularly given the number of quarterback-needy teams already possessing a top 5-10 pick. That said, Payton has been searching for the second coming of Drew Brees since the legendary QB retired in 2021 and could go all-in in hopes of finding his next superstar signal-caller.
Potential Targets: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy
Russell Wilson's time in Denver came at a COST 🤯#Decyfr #NFL #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/IjwEvlRfVO
— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) March 5, 2024
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks ushered in a new era this offseason, as they parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll after 14 seasons. With the arrival of new HC Mike Macdonald – previously the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens – a defensive restructure ensued. Following the departures of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks – alongside Pro Bowl safety duo, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs – Macdonald acquired Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker at linebacker as well as Rayshawn Jenkins at safety.
While these moves undoubtedly fortified Macdonald’s first defense in Seattle, it’s highly unlikely that the Seahawks stop there – especially given the inherent pressure on Macdonald to fill Carroll’s shoes.
Currently, the Seahawks hold the 16th overall pick in the draft – directly in the middle of the first round. Many experts acknowledge that this year’s draft class is by no means the strongest we’ve seen from a defensive standpoint. That said, there are those that sit a cut above the rest at edge rusher – namely Jared Verse and Dallas Turner. While both Verse and Turner are projected to be selected towards the end of the top 10, a big offer from Seattle might convince either the Falcons or Bears to hand over their pick – clearing the way for Macdonald to add to an already promising defense.
Potential Targets: Jared Verse, Dallas Turner, Laiatu Latu
With less than three weeks until Draft Day, which team do you think will make a blockbuster trade to acquire their most-coveted prospect in 2024?
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