It appears that General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been considering trading up to secure a quarterback, especially after acquiring the No. 23 overall pick from the Houston Texans. There is speculation that the Vikings might be preparing to make a significant move to secure a top spot in the NFL Draft.
According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller’s recent mock draft, the Vikings are projected to trade picks No. 11 and 23, along with a first-round pick in 2025, to the New England Patriots in exchange for the third overall pick. This move indicates their intention to select a quarterback early in the draft.
Could the Minnesota Vikings Pursue Drake Maye in the NFL Draft?
Despite recently acquiring Sam Darnold, the Vikings appear to be in the market for a potential franchise quarterback who can capitalize on the talents of star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, potentially elevating the team’s competitiveness.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, the Vikings may have their sights set on North Carolina standout Drake Maye.
“Maye possesses a strong arm and mobility,” Miller observes. “His skill set aligns well with the coaching of Kevin O’Connell. With a solid offensive supporting cast including Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, Justin Jefferson as a top-tier receiver, and Jordan Addison as a promising WR2, the Vikings could offer an ideal environment for a rookie quarterback.”
While Maye may require some development due to his raw talent, the Vikings’ structure might afford him early playing time. Over the past two seasons, Maye has amassed impressive statistics, totaling 7,929 passing yards and 62 touchdowns.
During the previous season, Maye demonstrated his potential by throwing for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. Selecting Maye could potentially narrow the gap between the Vikings and their division rivals, the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
Maye’s athleticism and accuracy on deep passes make him an enticing prospect for the Vikings’ offensive scheme and their array of weapons.
Pro Football Focus highlights Maye’s proficiency in deep passing, ranking second in the nation with 1,452 deep passing yards in 2023. Additionally, he maintained a low rate of turnover-worthy plays, with only 1.9% of his attempts resulting in such plays.
However, some evaluators express concerns about Maye’s consistency, particularly in his decision-making and processing abilities. Despite this, his potential, combined with the Vikings’ offensive structure, could make him an appealing option for the team’s future quarterback position.
