Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings GM says he has a ‘preferred scenario’ for 23rd overall pick

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/18/24

When the Minnesota Vikings pulled off a trade with the Houston Texans for the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 draft, many believed it was to stockpile ammunition to move up and draft a quarterback.

During a radio appearance Monday on KFAN in Minnesota, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted that he has a plan for that pick, but didn’t divulge whether or not it included landing a QB.

“We just thought that move gave us the best flexibility for whatever can happen,” Adofo-Mensah said, via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. “…I would say at this point there is a preferred scenario but the process is ongoing.”

Many have speculated the Vikings are eyeing a move up into the top three next month with North Carolina passer Drake Maye as their preferred target. Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown coached Maye at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the team “adores” Maye, according to the Athletic.

"I think Minnesota will trade up to get Drake Maye..

If he goes to Minnesota he will be a stud with Kevin O'Connell" ~ @danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/RzN3x9UvbN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 15, 2024

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah postulated Minnesota could package the No. 11 and 23 picks plus its 2025 first-rounder to entice the Washington Commanders to trade out of the No. 2 spot.

“I think Minnesota will put forth a strong effort to get up and get Drake Maye,” Jeremiah said on the “Move the Sticks” podcast. “I think they’ll make the effort, I just don’t know if one of those teams up there will get out.”

If they can’t break into the top three for Maye, ESPN’s Matt Miller speculated the Vikings could trade up with the Arizona Cardinals (No. 4 overall) or Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5 overall) to get Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

More must-reads: