Vikings reportedly attending Michigan QB's pro day, revealing more about draft plans

More signs are pointing toward the Minnesota Vikings taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Vikings QB coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski will attend Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy's pro day on Friday. Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell will hold a private workout with the 21-year-old next week.

The Vikings must replace four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins, who recently signed a four-year, $180M deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Minnesota inked Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10M deal, but he's a bridge QB.

Minnesota has the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it recently acquired the 23rd pick after dealing two second-rounders and more to the Houston Texans. Don't be surprised if the Vikings make another blockbuster trade before the draft.

"With two first-round picks, the Vikings now own the draft capital to fly up the board for a quarterback," wrote ESPN's Matt Miller. "The latest leaguewide rumor has the Vikings trading to No. 4 overall, where the Cardinals are in a sweet spot to trade out with a quarterback-needy team."

According to ESPN's Jordan Reid, McCarthy only reached 25 passing attempts 12 times in 28 starts. However, he rated the national champion as his fourth-best QB behind LSU's Jayden Daniels, North Carolina's Drake Maye and USC's Caleb Williams.

During his final season at Michigan, McCarthy posted the FBS' ninth-best passer rating (167.4) and the sixth-best completion percentage (72.3).

The Vikings must ensure a smooth transition after Cousins' departure. They should take a closer look at McCarthy to determine whether he's a surefire franchise quarterback, especially if they're considering moving up in the draft.