NFL mock drafts continue to be fascinating to look at. Each analyst has a different lens when it comes to prospects and how teams should address their needs.
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the more interesting teams heading into April's NFL draft. They are primed to move up for a quarterback and have been projected to move up into the top five but very few have them moving up to second overall.
Could they move up to second overall? That's what Diante Lee of The 33rd Team has them doing and the package is relatively mellow with 11, 23, 2025 first-round pick and 2025 fourth-round pick.
It takes some real job security and a long-term vision to hand away so much control at the top of the draft, but I’m simulating this trade on the assumption that Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn are safe for a long-term rebuild, and netting several first rounders will go a long way to turning things around.
As for the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O’Connell would love a quarterback who works the middle of the field, anticipates throwing windows and consistently stands in the pocket to deliver the ball when he’s pressured. Drake Maye needs some cleaning up, but he’s the best non-Caleb Williams quarterback to maximize Justin Jefferson’s prime.
If the Vikings end up hitting on the quarterback position, the trade compensation doesn't matter a whole lot. Maye is one of the more talented players in this draft class and currently ranks as my second overall player on my big board. Maye has a cannon of an arm and can thrive in O'Connell offense.
That's not to say that Maye is perfect. There are some real issues to his game right now, especially with his footwork. If you can clean that up, the sky is the limit.