The 2024 NFL Draft: Predicting Trades and Surprises
The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner and as always, we can expect some major trades and surprises along the way. With Round 1 scheduled for Thursday, April 25, followed by Rounds 2-3 on Friday, April 26 and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 27, the excitement is building up. In this edition of Kosport Magazine, we take a look at some potential trades that could shake up the draft and change the course of the league.
On the latest episode of the “With the First Pick” podcast, Kosport Magazine’s NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson and CBS Sports HQ analyst and former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman discussed eight trades that could alter the draft. From early round swaps to some risky selections, they predict what trades will take place and who teams will draft with their traded picks.
In all scenarios, we are assuming that the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots, who hold the first three picks respectively, will stay put to fill their quarterback needs.
Trade 1: Vikings trade up to No. 4
Vikings get: No. 4 pick (J.J. McCarthy)
Cardinals get: No. 11 pick (Quinyon Mitchell), No. 23 pick (Brian Thomas Jr.), 2025 first-round pick
The Arizona Cardinals currently hold the No. 4 pick, but with the Minnesota Vikings in need of a quarterback, they may be eyeing that selection. The Vikings traded quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, leaving a big gap to fill at that position. With the No. 11 and No. 23 picks, they may use their two first-rounders to trade up and get their next franchise starter.
Wilson proposes the Vikings moving up to No. 4 to take Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, Spielman notes that it will take more than just their two first-round picks to get the deal done. He suggests that the Vikings may have to add a 2025 first-rounder to “sweeten the pot.”
When asked if it would make sense for the Vikings to make this trade, Spielman says,
