The Minnesota Vikings were already a threat to draft a quarterback before the Denver Broncos in April. That threat increased significantly on Friday.
The Vikings already held the 11th overall pick — one spot above the Broncos — which means Denver would likely have to jump them to land a top-four quarterback prospect.
Now Minnesota has acquired an additional first-round pick, landing the 23rd overall pick in a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday.
The Vikings now have picks Nos. 11 and 23, which is significant trade ammo that could help them move up the board on draft day. Denver, on the other hand, only has pick No. 12 in the first round, and no second-round pick.
This likely guarantees that at least the top three (if not the top four) quarterback prospects will be off the board by the time the Broncos go on the clock at pick No. 12. So, as we’ve said repeatedly this offseason, if Denver wants to select a top QB in April, the team will need to trade up.
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy are widely considered the top four QBs in this year’s class, followed by Bo Nix, Michael Penix, Michael Pratt and Spencer Rattler. The Vikings now appear likely to land one of the Big Four QBs. Your move, Broncos.
The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27. The Broncos currently hold eight picks.
