A new quarterback has become one of the top choices for the Vikings following the exposure of Darnold/McCown’s connection.
The Minnesota Vikings are prepared to make a move into the top 5 draft spots in order to acquire a quarterback, however their intentions may not align with common assumptions.
On Saturday, ESPN’s Field Yates forecasted that Minnesota would trade its No. 11 pick and the Houston Texans’ recently acquired 23rd overall selection, along with a first from 2025, to acquire a quarterback at No. 5 from the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to Yates, signing Sam Darnold does not prevent the Vikings from drafting a quarterback. The deal provides them with an option at center and allows them to focus on finding their long-term QB. McCarthy is being considered as the fourth-best QB in this class and has proven his abilities with a 72.3% completion rate last season at Michigan. This marks the start of a new age for Minnesota’s football team.
Although it relies on certain assumptions, the Yates projection is still considered the most plausible outcome. It presupposes that both Washington Commanders and New England Patriots will not choose McCarthy but rather opt for Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye respectively; however, this cannot be guaranteed.
Additionally, the assumption is made that the Patriots are resolute in their decision not to trade away their third pick for any draft bundle and that the Vikings would be content enough with acquiring McCarthy at No. 5.
On Wednesday, March 20th, Alec Lewis from The Athletic shared a report that uncovers the significant bond between Darnold and Minnesota’s new QB coach Josh McCown. They formed this connection during their time as quarterbacks on the New York Jets’ roster.
According to Lewis, it was quite extraordinary that Josh McCown (the Vikings QB coach) and Sam Darnold (a Vikings QB), would devote some of their spare time in the Jets QB room reviewing Drake Maye’s film together.
If the price of a trade is three first-round picks, the Vikings need to acquire their desired quarterback.
It’s widely known among NFL circles and draft enthusiasts that at Myers Park High School in North Carolina, McCown served as Maye’s quarterback coach.
The pre-existing triangular bond between McCown, Darnold and Maye creates a new factor for Minnesota’s draft strategy.
Yates’ assumption is more than reasonable because the Vikings are likely to offer three first-round picks in the next two years to acquire their franchise QB following Kirk Cousins’ departure through free agency. This move has become necessary given that an elite prospect playing on a rookie contract at such a crucial position holds significant value and fills Minnesota’s immediate requirement for a genuine signal-caller, ensuring wide receiver Justin Jefferson stays satisfied.
Will the Vikings invest a significant amount of draft capital for their pick at No. 5? Or will they consider it more prudent to leverage such an invaluable package in exchange for moving up to No. 3, thereby securing whoever is left after Caleb Williams is likely taken by the Chicago Bears and the Commanders take their pick second?
The general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, may need to sweeten the deal with more than three first-round picks to persuade the Patriots that they don’t have to pick a QB at third overall. This scenario is considered more probable.
Drake Maye is increasingly appearing to be the favored choice for quarterback by the Vikings in the upcoming NFL Draft.
There are numerous connections between McCown and Maye, far exceeding the examples stated previously.
Even to the untrained eye, it’s clear that with McCown and Darnold joining Minnesota and the Vikings’ desire for a quarterback coupled with their readiness to make a significant trade, all signs are pointing towards Maye being selected.
According to Lewis, the Vikings’ decision-makers have expressed their willingness to make an assertive move up the NFL Draft board if it is deemed sensible. Furthermore, with one of Minnesota’s key coaching figures having a genuine rapport with a highly coveted quarterback prospect, everything seems to be falling into place.
While reaching the third pick does not assure Minnesota of getting Maye, as the Commanders could still select him second overall, it seems likely that the Vikings will make every effort to secure their preferred quarterback. The increasing reports about Maye only add weight to this notion.
