Really like what the Vikings did today.
I've been back and forth on McCarthy but the team needed the QB and they were able to do it without giving up that second first. Seems they really tried to move up for Maye but the Patriots weren't having it. (Also called about Herbert aha).
They called the Giants bluff and then moved up a spot to make sure DEN/LV couldn't jump them and got their guy. (And they gave up essentially what I traded to move up to #9 in our mock. I traded #129 and #177. They traded #129 and #157, but got #203 back)
And I don't compare McCarthy to the reach for Ponder at all (A good comparison for that is the Broncos Nix pick).
One, McCarthy is objectively a better prospect, even if he was over drafted as well, and two, he has an offensive coach, who got the most out of scrubs like Josh Dobbs and Nick Mullens last year, and tons of talent around him. Jefferson/Addison/Hockenson/Jones and two stud tackles. Ponder had Leslie Frazier and Adrian Peterson.
Then theres Dallas Turner. I think they gave a little two much for him, you coulda kept one of the 3 picks you gave up, but at the end of the day if he pans out, no one will care about that 2nd/3rd/4th/5th. (essentially used 2 2nds* a 3rd, 4th and 5th on Turner). But you got a Top 10 talent at a premium position.
But it does leave them with only 3 picks next year. A 1st and two 5ths. But they are expected to get a comp pick or two, with one possibly in the 3rd. You could also recoup some equity with a 1st RD trade down.
*I liked the initial trade with the Texans even if some valuations said the Vikings gave up too much. I don't view 2 2nds for a 1st and a move down from 188 to 232 as that much, especially if it's a mid-2nd next year.
For reference. Here are KAM's 2-5 round picks to date below:
22:
2nd CB Andrew Booth Jr. - trending bust.
2nd G Ed Ingram - starting RG, but below average.
3rd LB Brian Asomoah - backup/special teamer.
4th CB Akayleb Evans - up and down. Benched at the end of last season.
5th DE Esezi Otomewo - cut after 1 season. On the Jags' PS.
5th RB Ty Chandler - had a few nice games at the end of '23.
(Also made an atrocious trade down in round 1 to select huge bust Lewis Cine at 32)
23:
2nd Traded for Hockenson
3rd CB Mekhi Blackmon - had an up and down rookie year.
4th DB Jay Ward - played mostly ST and had some bonehead penalties on it.
5th DT Jaquelin Roy - played sporadically as a backup. Looks like a JAG.
5th QB Jaren Hall - I'm sure you watched that GB game.
Draft picks, especially in the mid rounds are extremely hit or miss. I still think they gave too much in the move up, but like I said if Turner pans out we won't care. If he doesn't we'll be like "gave up way too much, coulda had Player X, Y and Z"