Oct 14, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass against the Miami Hurricanes in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports.
When the Minnesota Vikings started their offseason, it was immediately known that the focal point would be the quarterback position. How they handled Kirk Cousins and a possible transition to his successor would dominate headlines. As the draft draws closer, it seems Drake Maye could wind up being their man.
To date, during his head coaching career, Kevin O’Connell has not been given a quarterback prospect to develop. Kirk Cousins was already a finished product, and while he thrived within the system of Minnesota’s new head coach, it’s hard to see exactly how O’Connell was able to mold him.
Now that the Vikings are likely to select a quarterback in the first round of April’s draft, the head coach will have the opportunity to help that player flourish at the next level. Drake Maye is among the most exciting draft prospects in recent seasons, and if Minnesota has its way, he could be the passer they are zeroing in on.
Throwing Thursday at his pro day in North Carolina, Maye got chummy with former high school coach Josh McCown. Of course, McCown is now the Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach, and while O’Connell has plenty of experience at the NFL level on his own, McCown also brings a lot to the table. The two obviously have an established rapport with one another, and finding a way to get him wearing purple looks like a clear goal.
The Vikings own the 11th and 23rd overall picks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Neither of those will be well-positioned enough to grab Maye on their own. The Vikings are thought to be looking for a trade partner higher in the draft, and if Maye is their desired outcome, then getting into the top three is a must. Caleb Williams is expected to go first overall to the Chicago Bears, and then it becomes a question between Maye and Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders.
Nothing gleaned at the North Carolina quarterback’s pro day should sway Minnesota’s feelings one way or another. There is plenty of game tape to evaluate what he is and can be at the next level, and regardless of the performance with no defenders, that should reign supreme when making their decision. McCown certainly has to think about the possibility of reuniting with a talent he knows well, which could set all parties up for the utmost success.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.