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Fans of the Minnesota Vikings celebrated two Top 10 picks during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night. One, of course, came when the franchise selected former Michigan QB JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick.
The second, however, was a bit more surprising. It came a few picks earlier after the Atlanta Falcons got off the clock.
Atlanta made the most shocking choice of that opening night, taking QB Michael Penix with the eighth overall pick. This, coming after signing former Minnesota passer Kirk Cousins to a massive deal in the offseason.
The move baffled many, though the front office did its best to explain the pick.
“The team believes they won’t have a top pick with Cousins under center the next few years, and now is the time to get a great one.”
-Dianna Russini
That’s certainly one way to look at it, though it doesn’t make much sense for most football followers. Those in Minnesota believe it signaled a lack of confidence in their newly signed superstar.
During one particular draft night watch party, an emcee was heard trolling Cousins to the cheers of Vikings fans.
The Falcons have selected….. Michael Penix!? @PhilMackey has a HOT take !
“It took the Falcons 1 month to figure out what the Vikings needed 6 years to figure out!” pic.twitter.com/LsvMHPqFdG
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) April 26, 2024
“It took the Falcons 1 month to figure out what the Vikings needed 6 years to figure out!”
The Vikings got their replacement for Kirk Cousins on Thursday.
With the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft… the Minnesota Vikings select…
J.J. McCarthy – QB Michigan pic.twitter.com/NqC5Us2cNu
— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) April 26, 2024
The crowd erupted when JJ McCarthy’s name was called at No. 10. Having played his college ball in Big Ten country, fans in Minnesota are familiar with the national championship winning signal caller’s game, and they’re ready to see if he can take the team to the next level.
With Kirk Cousins under center, the franchise saw success, but ultimately failed in the postseason. The Vikings made the playoffs twice in Cousins’ six-year stint, posting a 1-2 overall record.
While the offense was high flying for much of his tenure, it seems Minnesota is ready to move into the next era.
Can JJ McCarthy find success? Time will tell! There’s clearly no love lost for Cousins, though.