Preparation for the draft is heating up for NFL franchises. According to Ian Rapoport (NFL Media), the Houston Texans traded their first-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in a trade. So :
The Vikings receive:
- 1er round 2024 (choice 24)
- 7th round 2024 (choice 232)
The Texans receive:
- 2th round 2024 (choice 42)
- 2th tour 2025
- 6th round 2024 (choice 188)
For Minnesota, orphans of Kirk Cousins, the accumulation of first rounds could be a strategy similar to that used by the Eagles in 2016. Philadelphia had accumulated the choices to cede a jackpot to Cleveland and seize the second choice, used to draft Carson Wentz.
The Vikings now own picks 11 and 24 in the first round.
For Houston, a team on the rise, this trade represents an opportunity to recoup two second-round picks. In particular, the Texans are betting that the Vikings will have a difficult season regardless of the quarterback recruited. In the extreme case where the Vikings have the worst record in the league, Houston would then get back the first pick of the second round (pick 33) having only given up pick 24 the previous year, a minimal difference for an additional second round.
Another possibility, Houston could also move up to the end of the first round by sacrificing the two second round picks they now have (picks 42 and 58)
