LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 23: Las Vega Raiders assistant coach Antonio Pierce yells at Maxx Crosby (98) during the NFL game featuring the Houston Texans against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 23, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings Projected to Pull off Blockbuster Trade for QB
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has seemingly been eyeing a trade-up to select a quarterback since adding the No. 23 overall pick in a deal with the Houston Texans and might be poised to make a move to the top of the NFL Draft board.
In ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller’s latest mock draft projections, the Vikings send pick No. 11, 23, and a first-round selection in 2025 to the New England Patriots for the third overall pick to go up and get their quarterback.
Could the Minnesota Vikings Trade up in NFL Draft for Drake Maye?
Despite signing Sam Darnold, the Vikings will likely look to add a legitimate franchise quarterback of the future, who can maximize elite wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and push Minnesota closer to legitimately competing.
Miller believes the Vikings’ target is North Carolina standout Drake Maye.
Maye is big-armed and mobile,” Miller writes for ESPN. “With the tools to thrive under coach Kevin O’Connell. With a star left tackle in Christian Darrisaw, arguably the league’s best receiver in Justin Jefferson and a very good WR2 in second-year player Jordan Addison, the Vikings’ offensive supporting cast is perfect for a rookie quarterback.
“Maye is raw, and in many situations, it would be best for him to sit and learn for a year, but the Minnesota structure could get him on the field early. He has thrown for 7,929 yards and 62 TD passes over the past two seasons.”
Last season, Maye passed for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns to nine interceptions, playing his way into the conversation as one of the top three quarterbacks in this year’s class. Adding Maye in this year’s NFL Draft could help the gap on the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in the division.
Drake May Scouting Report
Maye’s combination of athleticism and deep-ball accuracy could make him a perfect fit for Stefanski’s offense and the Minnesota Vikings’ weapons.
