Hey - in my book, mock drafts are "for amusement purposes only." but they do reveal something about how different players are perceived by the media. whatever you think about the media - even if you think everything they write is "clickbait," media members do have access to decision-makers. they do have sources.
and the point - I am seeing McCarthy now being mocked consistently as the #4 QB in the draft. and a lot of mocks have Penix and Nix falling out of the 1st round.
So - IF the Vikes want McCarthy, it's possible they might have to trade up to ensure they land him. BUT - if the Vikes want to go defense with the 1st pick, it's also possible that Penix or Nix might be available in the 2nd round.
it all comes down to how the Vikes have the QB's rated. If they see McCarthy as clearly better than Penix and Nix, then he should be the guy. But, if the Vikes see Penix or Nix as comparable to McCarthy, then maybe they can wait until the 2nd round to grab a QB.