Exclusive; The Vikings are investigating links to Vikings Exploring Ties to Exciting Gunslinger to Replace Kirk Cousins

Kevin O’Connell, the head coach of Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to meet with Drake Maye – a possible first-round quarterback prospect they’re considering as Kirk Cousins’ replacement. Maye is widely regarded as the second overall pick choice among experts.

During the week of February 28th, Ian Rapoport from NFL Network revealed that Maye is scheduled to meet with the Vikings in Indianapolis. The team currently holds the 11th position in this year’s draft.

In addition to the Chicago Bears, who possess the top selection in the draft, representatives from several other NFL teams – including the Washington Commanders (No. 2), New England Patriots (No. 3), New York Giants (No. 6), Atlanta Falcons (No.8), New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints- will have meetings with the University of North Carolina prospect on their schedule as well.

After appointing former NFL quarterback Josh McCown as their new quarterbacks coach, the Vikings now have a link to Maye. This is because McCown previously coached Maye at Myers Park High School in Charlotte during 2019. As a result, rumors are circulating that the Vikings may be considering trading up in the draft order so they can land this highly promising 21-year-old prospect.

The ideal rookie QB for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has been determined to be Drake Maye.

The attempt to make a pass for the University of North Carolina is made by Drake Maye.

In the previous year’s draft, the Vikings made an effort to trade up for a promising quarterback prospect ranked among the top three. However, under Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell’s leadership this year, their interest in the upcoming draft class is more guarded.

According to Star Tribune reporter Ben Goessling on a December 28 episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast, thoughts about Caleb Williams and Drake Maye were already present at this time last year. Throughout fall, significant effort has been made in training these rookie quarterbacks within the team’s facilities. It was also mentioned that there is a strong likelihood for the Vikings to pursue trade opportunities for them this season.

The Vikings may have a chance at acquiring Maye, even if the Bears prevent them from drafting Williams as their top pick.

During his appearance on “The Life Gorgeous” podcast, Paul Allen, the play-by-play broadcaster for the Vikings, put forward Maye as an optimal quarterback candidate for Kevin O’Connell’s scheme that puts a premium on precise passing and unyielding fortitude needed to remain composed under pressure in the pocket.

According to Allen, “As far as the way things are managed here by O’Connell, Maye is my top pick and Williams isn’t even in consideration.” However, he acknowledged that LSU’s Jayden Daniels would necessitate a change of strategy due to his dual-threat capabilities. Even though he admires Daniels for his exceptional athleticism, there is an established system that has been proven successful here and must be followed.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) reports that Maye is the top passer when it comes to throwing across the middle of the field. With his sturdy 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame, he proves himself as a resilient athlete who dominates inside pockets while also being able to carve out room for maneuvering.

According to PFF’s Nick Akridge, Maye was the top-performing FBS quarterback with at least 50 attempts in throws between college hashes, earning a passing grade of 94.8. Being an effective passer over the middle requires good timing and consistent progressions – qualities Maye possesses in abundance. Furthermore, he is adept at tricking underneath defenders by maintaining eye contact while throwing accurately behind them with impressive anticipation skills.

An expert on the Vikings predicts that if they decide to part ways with Kirk Cousins, the team will trade up in order to acquire a new quarterback.

The Vikings’ plans for the draft remain uncertain as they await news of Cousins’ decision on whether to re-sign or become a free agent, despite ongoing rumors.

Should Cousins receive an irresistible offer exceeding what the Vikings have proposed over the last year, it is likely they will be willing to part with significant assets and make a trade in preparation for 2024 as a transitional period towards achieving their championship aspirations.

According to Goessling, the Vikings have shown a willingness to invest in securing a future franchise quarterback despite previously considering moving on from Cousins during the last two seasons.

Goessling suggested that if the team believes they need to be within the top five, or even top two or three choices in order to acquire a highly-coveted player, it will not hinder their pursuit. He thinks that based on last year’s actions and what he’s heard about their approach this draft season, nothing will prevent them from obtaining a once-in-a-generation talent – they won’t risk being frugal for no reason.