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Todd McShay has bad news for the Vikings and their plans to trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Evan Winter | Last updated 4/20/24

Everyone and their mom thinks the Minnesota Vikings are going to trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft in order to select their quarterback of the future and it's easy to see why after the team traded for the Houston Texans' 23rd overall pick a few weeks ago.

Of all the teams in the top-10/top-5, the Arizona Cardinals immediately make the most sense. Mainly because they already have their franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray, so it's not as important for them to stay at No. 4.

But, the Cardinals definitely don't have a true No. 1 receiver staying at four overall guarantees they get the best WR prospect not just in this draft class, but of the last decade in Marvin Harrison Jr.

And that's why one of the top draft experts in ESPN's Todd McShay believes the Cardinals stay put and take MHjr.

"Arizona is not going to steer away from wide receiver. I don't think they're going to move [out of No. 4]," McShay said on the most recent episode of the God Bless Football podcast. "I thought they might a few weeks ago [because] they're talking to a lot of people in the league. I think Arizona is gonna stay put at No. 4 [and] I think they're gonna take Marvin Harrison Jr.

"You know what you're getting. He's the most NFL-ready receiver, which we've seen coming in the league, I believe in a decade."

Who are some other potential trade-up partners?

If the Cardinals do stay at No. 4 and take Harrison Jr., it makes a trade-up difficult for the Vikings. Because the Giants could use both a QB and WR, the Chargers and Titans could both use tackles and receivers, the Falcons need a top EDGE, and the Bears could use help at EDGE or even tackle. If any of those teams trade back to 11, they are running the risk of missing out on a top prospect at a position of need. And considering how much premium talent there is at the top, that's not the best strategy.

The Falcons and Bears make the most sense at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively. At that point, though, it's unclear whether or not J.J. McCarthy will be there and if he isn't, the other QBs aren't worth taking at 11.

The good news, obviously, is Minnesota's pick at No. 23. Taking a Michael Penix Jr. or even Bo Nix at that point makes a lot more sense. But, neither guy has the ceiling of "The Big Four".

It'll be interesting to see what happens if the Cardinals do stay at No. 4, which it sounds like they will. Either way, the Vikings will have some sort of plan - it just remains to be seen if they can find a dance partner.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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