Vikings Mock Draft: Could Minnesota really tank for Caleb Williams?

The 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon, and the buzz is palpable amongst fans, especially those cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. Having been dealt a tough hand so far this season, the team is now in a precarious position. However, the Vikings could find gold at the end of the rainbow in this mock draft. Caleb Williams, anyone?

Today, we delve into the Minnesota’s potential 2024 NFL Draft strategy, focusing on moving forward after securing the No. 1 overall selection (as of this writing).

Last week, we were confident the No. 1 pick would fall to the Arizona Cardinals (0-2) with the Houston Texans (0-2) pick also going to the desert. Both teams must have gotten fired up at that presumption, as they each upset potential Super Bowl contenders in Week 4.

The Vikings faced another playoff-caliber team, the LA Chargers, in a battle of the best winless teams in the NFL. The Vikes may have lost the game on the scoreboard, but for mock draft purposes, their 0-3 record puts them in the driver’s seat for Caleb Williams. Let’s complete a four-round mock draft and offer the fan base a glimpse of what could be.

The Current State Of Affairs For The Vikings: Mock Draft Helps Minnesota Define Its Future At QB

The Vikings have had a rough season so far, currently sitting at 0-4 following a string of losses. Despite the rocky start, the Vikings’ general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and head coach, Kevin O’Connell, remain resolute, pushing the team towards a “competitive rebuild”.

Amid these challenges, a silver lining emerges. The Vikings are set to enter the 2024 NFL Draft with a full complement of draft picks. They hold selections in the first, second, fourth (two), fifth (two), and sixth rounds. The details of these picks are convoluted, with trades involving the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Las Vegas Raiders playing a part in shaping the Vikings’ slate of selections in 2024.

Round 1, No. 1 Overall: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

With the first pick in this 2024 mock draft, the Vikings can select the best player available. The shining prospect in this year’s class is Caleb Williams. A USC quarterback with a generational skill set, Williams has the potential to change the face of any team he joins.

He is an extremely talented quarterback and quickly became the talk of the town in Hollywood. His unique combination of strengths makes him a coveted prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. His arm talent and overall potential impact on and off the field have caught the attention of the Vikings and many other franchises.

Williams is the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, as he threw for 4,537 yards with 42 touchdowns to only five interceptions. Additionally, he added 382 yards on the ground for another 10 touchdowns. In 2023, he has the Trojans ranked eighth in the nation, passing for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns through four games. He also has another 71 rushing yards and three scores to add to that impressive stat line. In short, he’s good. Really, really good.