The Minnesota Vikings are trying to get a quarterback in the early part of the NFL draft, but they are also getting ready to go in a different direction if needed.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Wednesday, March 20 that the Vikings are one of a small group of teams that elite pass-rushing prospect Dallas Turner of Alabama will meet with in the next few days.
“Alabama edge Dallas Turner — who could be the first defensive player off the board — told me he has upcoming pre-draft visits with, among others, the #Bears (Nos. 1 and 9), #Falcons (8) and #Vikings (11 and 23),” Pelissero posted to X.
Bears, Falcons More Likely Landing Spots for Dallas Turner Than Vikings
GettyEdge defender Dallas Turner, formerly of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Both the Bears and Falcons are more likely to land Turner than the Vikings because of their quarterback situations.
Chicago will likely use its top overall pick to pick USC’s Caleb Williams, then will come up on the board again two picks ahead of the Vikings. After trading a fourth-rounder to the Los Angeles Chargers for wide receiver Keenan Allen, the Bears no longer seem to be in the market for a high-end prospect at that position. That leaves the edge and potentially left tackle as the two areas of need Chicago might address inside the top 10.
Meanwhile, the Falcons got Kirk Cousins instead of Minnesota with a four-year deal worth $180 million, which includes $100 million guaranteed, at the start of free agency. ESPN’s Mel Kiper expected in his updated mock draft on March 19 that the Falcons will make Turner the first defensive player off the board with the 8th pick, one spot before the Bears’ second selection and three spots ahead of the Vikings.
“This is another pairing that makes too much sense. It’s a combo of biggest positional need and best available prospect,” Kiper wrote. “The Falcons, of course, made the biggest splash in free agency by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, but their defense is mostly the same. They have to get better along the defensive line. … Turner had 22.5 sacks over three college seasons and he improved his pressure rates every season. He’s the clear No. 1 edge rusher in this class.”
Vikings Expected to Target QBs Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy in First Round of NFL Draft
GettyQuarterback Drake Maye, formerly of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
The card Minnesota has to play is two first-round picks, with which the team can easily leapfrog both the Bears at No. 9 and Falcons at No. 8 and put itself in position to draft Turner out from under them. The complication, however, is that the Vikings currently intend to use those assets to move into the top five to land a quarterback.
The Vikings signed Jonathan Greenard to a $76 million contract and Andrew Van Ginkel to a $20 million deal in free agency, addressing the openings left by the departures of Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport earlier this month. That isn’t to say the blitz-heavy Minnesota defense couldn’t use an elite-level edge rusher playing a premier position on a rookie contract, but Turner isn’t currently the priority.
Instead, the main focus is on finding a quarterback — specifically either Drake Maye of UNC or J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. The Vikings' ability to acquire him is uncertain and will depend largely on their trading position.
Vikings Have Various Potential Trade Options to Acquire QB
GettyQuarterback J.J. McCarthy, previously from Michigan.
The Arizona Cardinals, who have the No. 4 overall pick, are the unpredictable factor in the situation. The Bears, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots have all set themselves up to pick QBs with the top three selections, respectively. The Chargers are ready to move from the No. 5 pick for the right offer.
Minnesota’s collection of two first-rounders in 2024, along with a 2025 first-rounder, should be enough to move into the fifth spot. However, other teams like the New York Giants (6), Denver Broncos (12) and Las Vegas Raiders (13) could attempt to maneuver into the fourth spot and push the Vikings out.
If that doesn’t happen, the Vikings can secure one of the top four QBs with the fifth pick — probably Maye or McCarthy, as most draft insiders are predicting Williams and Jayden Daniels to be chosen first and second overall. Alternatively, Minnesota can make a substantial offer to the Cardinals to move into the fourth spot and secure one of the top four QBs.
However, if the Vikings are willing to give up three first-round picks, the best option would be to trade those to New England in exchange for the third pick, which would give Minnesota the choice between Maye and McCarthy.
But if none of that works out, Turner is a possible alternative plan as the Vikings regroup and develop another plan to find a franchise quarterback.
