Vikings and Patriots helmets on ground

The Minnesota Vikings acquired an extra first-round NFL draft pick, giving the team flexibility to move up for a quarterback.

Overall, the Minnesota Vikings added a second first-round pick to their inventory, picking up the 23rd overall selection (and a seventh-rounder) from the Houston Texans in exchange for No. 42 overall (Round 2), a sixth-rounder this year and a second-rounder in 2025.

For the Vikings, the move opens some interesting possibilities.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic wasted little time proposing a mock trade for the Vikings to move up to the No 3 pick which is currently owned by the New England Patriots.

“Safe guess: The first call for the Vikings is to the Patriots to offer picks No. 11, No. 23, and another sweetener for the No. 3 overall pick Then it becomes a Robert Kraft decision,” Brugler tweeted.

It seems like an easy trade to make for the Vikings who need to find a replacement for Kirk Cousins after he bolted and signed by the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.

However, the New England Patriots also have a need at quarterback and they could possibly have their choice of either Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels if they stay at No. 3. Trading down ensures they get neither one and the 2024 season could be a wash as a result.

USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy are all considered potential top-10 picks at the quarterback position. Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. could also wind up being taken in the first round as well.

Expect a ton of movement for QB-starved teams.