Latest mock draft has Vikings pulling off blockbuster deal to trade up for QB

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 and 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 and nine interceptions, playing his way into the conversation as one of the top three quarterbacks in this year’s class. Drafting Maye in could help narrow the gap with the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in the division.

Maye scouting report

Maye’s combination of athleticism and deep-ball accuracy could make him a perfect fit for the Vikings offense weapons.

Pro Football Focus points out that Maye’s 1,452 deep-yards in 2023 ranked second in the nation while finishing last season with only 1.9% of his attempts being turnover-worthy plays.

“He’s big and mobile and can sling it around,” an AFC personnel director tells NFL.com, of Maye. “But, he didn’t play consistent football (in 2023). I thought his processing was a problem but it was hard to tell sometimes because of how his line played in front of him.”