The Minnesota Vikings made headlines in the NFL Draft by selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, making him the highest drafted quarterback in team history. This marked the first time since Daunte Culpepper in 1999 that the Vikings used a first-round pick on a quarterback. In a surprising move, the Vikings also traded up to select pass rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17, the first time they have drafted a pass rusher in the first round since 2005.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that McCarthy had expressed a desire to play for the Vikings, which made the pick even more special. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed excitement about both McCarthy and Turner, believing they were the right choices for the team.
Vikings fans showed their support for McCarthy with J.J.-to-JJ memes and jersey displays at the draft party, highlighting the excitement surrounding the team’s new acquisitions. The team currently has no picks on Friday in the second and third rounds but will have five picks on Saturday to address positions of need, such as defensive line and cornerback.
Leading up to the draft, fans had the opportunity to vote on which quarterback they wanted the Vikings to select, showing the importance of finding a long-term solution at the position. The team had been planning for this draft for two years, making the selection of a quarterback in the first round one of the most crucial picks in team history.
With the addition of McCarthy and Turner, the Vikings hope to strengthen their roster and build towards a successful future in the NFL. Stay tuned to see how the rest of the draft plays out for the Minnesota Vikings.
