Vikings Send Two Folks Out to Top QB Prospect’s Pro Day
The 2024 NFL Draft is just under four weeks away.
As the event continues to approach, teams are getting final looks at the prospects who could soon ring in the next era of their football teams in the next month. The Minnesota Vikings are no exception, and on Thursday, they had a pair of representatives at North Carolina’s pro day to watch QB Drake Maye.
Two Vikings Attend Drake Maye’s Pro Day
Darren Wolfson of KSTP reported the news, tweeting, “Among #Vikings contingent set to watch UNC’s Drake Maye in-person at his Pro Day this afternoon: QB coach Josh McCown and scout Steve Sabo.”
If the Vikings find a way to trade up in the first round to select a quarterback, Maye would certainly be a name to keep an eye on, depending on where they end up. Early on in the draft process, the Tar Heel was considered the consensus QB2.
It made a lot of sense. Maye has a beautiful deep ball and is plenty capable of making throws from all angles. He throws across the field with ease and can deliver strong passes off his back foot when facing pressure.
According to PFF, Maye was second in all of the FBS in terms of big-time throws with 34, which are defined as “a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window.” Only Michael Penix had more of these big-time throws with 41.
On top of Maye’s passing ability, he has a 6’5″ frame and is very mobile both in and out of the pocket. He can evade pressure while delivering sharp throws on the run, and he totaled 582 rushing yards as well as three rushing touchdowns during the 2023 season.
However, in recent weeks, both Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy have been huge risers on draft boards. In fact, there is a sentiment out there that McCarthy could be the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders if they opt to stick at that spot and select a quarterback.
If Daniels and McCarthy end up going ahead of Maye in the draft, it would open the door wide open for the Vikings to move up and select him.
Maye will turn 22 years old in August, making him one of the younger quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.