Jaguars and Vikings Trade in the 2024 NFL Draft: A Move That Shaped Both Teams
The 2024 NFL Draft saw a significant trade between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings. The Jaguars, holding the 17th overall pick, decided to trade down, sending the pick to the Vikings in exchange for the 23rd pick, a 2024 fifth-round pick, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
With the 17th pick, Minnesota selected linebacker Dallas Turner, a highly touted defensive prospect. Meanwhile, Jacksonville, after moving down to 23, picked wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and size.
What If the Vikings Had Stayed at 23?
Had Minnesota decided to hold onto their original 23rd pick instead of moving up for Turner, they could have selected Brian Thomas Jr., adding him to an already stacked wide receiver room featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The thought of these three explosive playmakers on the field together is enough to make any Vikings fan dream of an unstoppable offense.
Imagine Kirk Cousins (or his successor) having the luxury of throwing to Jefferson, Addison, and Thomas Jr.—a trio that could have easily been the best WR group in the entire league. The combination of Jefferson’s route-running, Addison’s versatility, and Thomas Jr.’s deep-threat ability would have given opposing defenses nightmares.
While Turner is an excellent defensive addition, this “what if” scenario leaves fans wondering how dominant the Vikings’ offense could have been had they prioritized another weapon for their passing game.
Would Minnesota have been better off with an elite WR trio, or did they make the right move by bolstering their defense? Only time will tell.