5 prospects who could be the Vikings next franchise QB in 2024
By Chris Schad
2. Drake Maye (North Carolina)
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 230 pounds
2023 Passing Stats: 2,559 yards, 16 TDs, 5 INTs, 65.6 completion percentage
2023 Rushing Stats: 78 carries, 259 yards, 6 TDs
While Caleb Williams is the unquestioned top quarterback in this class, Drake Maye is a clear No. 2. Maye’s skill set is different than Williams's as he has a bigger arm and a bigger frame, and he also brings different aspects that make him a franchise quarterback such as his decision making.
According to Pro Football Focus, Maye has committed a turnover-worthy play on just 1.7 percent of his throws which is tied for the ninth-lowest among qualifying quarterbacks. His average depth of target of 10.7 yards is also tied for 35th, which signals he’s not afraid to throw the ball downfield.
There are moments where Maye trusts his arm too much, and it tends to put his receivers in danger. But similar things were said about Justin Herbert before he became a franchise quarterback with the Los Angeles Chargers.
It would require another big trade for the Vikings to land Maye, but it could be worth it as a fit in Kevin O’Connell’s system.