Vikings Predicted to Trade With Quarterback-Needy Team in NFL Draft

USA Today NFL reporter Nate Davis shared his latest mock draft on Monday. It shows the Vikings making a trade with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints would still make their pick at ninth overall, but they look to help the Vikings with their draft pick issues by getting back into the first round to pick Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

“The Vikes badly need more draft capital, and New Orleans badly needs a QB1 and can surrender one of its extra third-rounders in this scenario to make the jump from the 40th spot in Round 2 to get Sanders. The Big 12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year and most accurate passer – by the numbers – in FBS history should plug smoothly into rookie HC Kellen Moore’s offense, one that has solid playmakers elsewhere (WRs Chris Olave and Brandin Cooks and RB Alvin Kamara).”

In this scenario, the Saints would most likely surrender their second-round pick and a third-round pick. New Orleans has two picks in the third round, so Minnesota would look to acquire the higher of the two, the 71st pick. Since the Saints would be desperate to pick a quarterback, a potential sixth or seventh-round pick could also head the Vikings' way.

This would easily solve the Vikings’ draft pick issues as they have the potential to add one to three extra picks in the later rounds. That would give them more opportunities on day two to find talent to develop.

Minnesota might be more inclined to find a team still in the first round to trade with, but with the lack of trades before Thursday, there isn’t much evidence to believe there will be many trades in the draft. Picking up some extra picks from New Orleans would be better than nothing.