The NFL Draft looms just around the corner, and teams are eagerly anticipating the arrival of potential game-changing players.
Several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots, have honed in on the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class.
New England, under the new leadership of Jerod Mayo and Elliot Wolf following Bill Belichick’s tenure, has transitioned from Mac Jones. Meanwhile, the Vikings are in search of a long-term quarterback solution after Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in a lucrative free agency deal worth $180 million over four years.
With the 11th and 23rd overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings have reportedly been exploring options to trade up and secure their franchise quarterback. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has signaled intent to the Patriots as the draft approaches.
Kevin O'Connell revealed he made this gesture to Robert Kraft in hopes the Patriots will be "complicit" with the Vikings on draft night. https://t.co/rOee6km3nZ
— NESN (@NESN) April 20, 2024
Patriots News: Kevin O’Connell Sent a Gift to Robert Kraft
O’Connell hinted that he reached out to Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, possibly with a gesture like sending flowers, in hopes of gaining their cooperation.
While New England could choose to stay put and select a new quarterback, their roster has needs across various positions, particularly wide receiver and offensive line. Acquiring additional draft picks would significantly bolster the team’s depth.
If the Patriots were to trade with the Vikings, it’s likely that both the 11th and 23rd picks would be involved, along with possibly more selections. This scenario would allow the Patriots to still target a quarterback at pick 11 while selecting the highest-rated player on their draft board at No. 23.
It remains uncertain whether New England will agree to such a deal, but the Vikings are clearly expressing their desire to move up, making the Patriots an intriguing option.
As for the draft itself, Drake Maye is currently favored to be the No. 3 overall pick. Fans can visit FanDuel Sportsbook to place their bets ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
