Luck smiles upon the daring, and the Minnesota Vikings have set themselves up to embody just that in the 2024 draft after their deal with the Houston Texans. With seven draft selections at their disposal, including two first-rounders, they are seen by many as a team poised to make a bold move into the top five. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis is one such believer, as evidenced by his latest mock draft which sees the Vikings acquiring former North Carolina Tar Heel, Drake Maye. In Lewis’ speculative scenario, three first-round picks would be sent to the New England Patriots.
Vikings get:
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 3 overall)
Patriots get:
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 11)
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 23)
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2026 second-round pick
“Ascending to such heights and relinquishing three first-round picks is a move that requires boldness,” Lewis expressed on March 21. “If you’re going to make a move, why not aim high? The Vikings’ connection to Maye is widely recognized: Quarterbacks coach Josh McCown mentored him at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, N.C. Yet, even prior to McCown’s involvement, Vikings scouts had been tracking Maye for several years.”
During his tenure as the Tar Heels’ starter, Maye showcased impressive statistics, completing 64.8% of his passes for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over the last two seasons.
Notably, Maye stands as the second-youngest among the top QB prospects, trailing only Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
“While Maye might require some developmental time, this could align well with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s philosophy regarding the nurturing of young quarterbacks,” Lewis observed. “With a seasoned QB room and an abundance of skillful players, now presents the opportune moment for the Vikings to seek out their quarterback of the future.”
Josh McCown Part of Vikings’ Strong Infrastructure
McCown’s influence in determining the Vikings’ next quarterback of the future is expected to be significant. His presence at Caleb Williams’ pro day on March 20 and involvement during J.J. McCarthy’s interview with the Vikings at the scouting combine underscore his role in the decision-making process.
While Maye’s pro day is scheduled for March 28, the extent of the Vikings’ representation at that event could provide valuable insight. McCown’s expertise might enable them to send a smaller delegation, concealing their intentions regarding the quarterback position.
In free agency, the Vikings secured Sam Darnold on a one-year, $10 million deal. Nick Mullens and second-year player Jaren Hall, who collectively went 1-4 as starters last season, are also part of the quarterback roster.
The presence of offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, along with an increased focus on the running game featuring Aaron Jones, could facilitate a smoother transition to Maye or any rookie quarterback if an earlier-than-anticipated switch occurs.
Lewis’ hypothetical scenario involving the Vikings trading up for Maye contrasts with colleague Ben Standig’s choice of LSU’s Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders at No. 2 in the mock draft. However, the outcome is far from certain at this stage.
Would the Vikings Trade Up to Draft Jayden Daniels?
If the Washington Commanders opt for Maye, a surprise move considering his recent draft stock decline, the Minnesota Vikings might consider a similar trade for LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Daniels’ LSU background intrigues certain figures within the Vikings organization.
“Minnesota recognizes the inevitable need to secure a long-term solution at quarterback,” noted ESPN’s Dan Graziano on February 10. “The prospect of acquiring Daniels to complement their standout LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson holds appeal for some members of the organization.”
Such a move would align with the Vikings’ desire to address their quarterback situation for the future, potentially pairing Daniels with Jefferson to bolster their offensive lineup.
