Vikings Fans Have Clear QB Preference in Draft
Dustin Baker
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It may not be a binary choice between two men, but Minnesota Vikings fans seem to have dwindled the team’s upcoming draft pick to a binary choice between two men.
Vikings Fans Have Clear QB Preference in Draft
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulled off a sweet trade 10 days ago, sending two 2nd-Round picks to Houston for the Texans’ 2024 1st-Rounder (Pick No. 23) and a late-round pick swap.
The deal positioned Adofo-Mensah to fire off another trade sometime between now and draft night, which is April 25th, or exactly one month away. And per recent vocal declaration, the Washington Commanders (Pick No. 2), New England Patriots (Pick No. 3), Arizona Cardinals (Pick No. 4), and Los Angeles Chargers (Pick No. 5) are all open for trade business. They’ve point-blank said so. Down the line.
And if Minnesota can move up in the draft that “easily,” most think the Vikings will pick either Drake Maye (North Carolina) or J.J. McCarthy (Michigan). Vegas odds claim Caleb Williams (USC) to Chicago is a no-brainer, as well as Jayden Daniels (LSU) to Washington.
So, we asked Vikings fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, which quarterback they prefer — Maye or McCarthy? Maye has been a draft darling for the Vikings since the 2023 regular season ended, but most considered Maye in purple a pipe dream because he was long-forecasted as the No. 2 pick behind Williams. Meanwhile, McCarthy became the object of Vikings fans’ desire as he may not be as expensive per trade capital as Maye. In fact, if one examines any branch of social media for five minutes or so, it feels like McCarthy-everything regarding the Vikings’ draft plans.
But not so fast.
While Vikings faithful would be happy with McCarthy, the vast majority still prefer Maye, according to our poll.
Over three-fourths want Maye in the purple saddle, a surprising outcome considering the McCarthy steam from the last few weeks. The poll was unscientific, and 2,342 folks responded.
X user @sotaknew replied, “Maye if we move up, but I’m fine w JJ at #11; just not before. If they both gone, there is so much QB talent left in the draft to take a gamble (Penix at #23, or Bo), & just come back in 2025 for Sanders if we have a losing season.”
“I don’t mind who it is, provided that they get the guy that they want, not just the guy that’s available. If they genuinely are happy to take either, then make the draft trade accordingly, i.e. don’t get fleeced,” Matt McKeon weighed in.
@starks56 wrote, “The analytics suggest that JJ is the most efficient passer on the move in this year’s draft. He only lost like one point on his overall accuracy while on the move. Having a quarterback that can create off-schedule plays could really revolutionize this offense. So I lean JJ.”
And Dan Flashes added, “I want Maye, but is that just because he’s more highly touted? I really don’t know how good either one of these guys are. I think we are gonna get JJ and I hope beyond hope that he’s the answer.”
While the team’s fanbase won’t be collectively disappointed or annoyed with McCarthy, it’s time to recognize Maye as the favorite based on fan sentiment.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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