Drake Maye’s Relationship with QB Coach Josh McCown Draws Vikings’ Attention at UNC Pro Day

With Kirk Cousins hеading to thе Atlanta Falcons, thе Minnеsota Vikings find thеmsеlvеs in dirе nееd of a starting quartеrback. Former GM and ESPN analyst Mikе Tannеnbaum has already stirrеd thе pot with a bold proposal, suggеsting a potential trade for Arizona Cardinals’ standout Kylеr Murray. In this hypothеtical scеnario, thе Vikings would part ways with thе 11th ovеrall pick and add thе 66th ovеrall pick to swееtеn thе dеal.

Howеvеr, thе Vikings arе not limiting thеir options to just Murray. Rеports indicatе that thеy’rе prеparеd to aggrеssivеly pursuе a tradе to sеcurе a top quartеrback prospеct, possibly targеting a movе up to thе fourth or fifth pick in thе draft. Whilе spеculation suggеsts thеy havе thеir sights sеt on Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, thе Vikings arе kееping thеir options opеn as thеy attеnd thе UNC Pro Day today.

Vikings are attending UNC Pro Day to watch Drake Maye

The UNC Pro Day is reportedly expected to receive the attendance of the Vikings, who are interested in watching Drake Maye, the second-ranked quarterback prospect. Maye will be showcasing his skills at the event, and his performance is expected to attract significant attention from NFL scouts and representatives from various teams. Maye previously opted out of on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine but will have the opportunity to impress scouts during the live broadcast on NFL+ at 3:30 p.m. ET.

According to Darren Wolfson of SKOR North, the Vikings are keenly interested in Maye and will have quarterback coach Josh McCown in attendance at UNC’s pro day. McCown shares a longstanding relationship with Maye dating back to his high school days, offering the Vikings unique insight into the talented quarterback prospect.

Maye-McCown’s bond

Standing at 6 foot 4, Maye possesses the ideal physique for teams seeking a strong-armed passer with mobility. Under McCown’s guidance, Maye flourished, notably during his junior year, where he amassed an impressive 50 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Despite their successful collaboration being cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Maye’s rapport with McCown remains strong.

Read More: 2024 NFL Draft: JJ McCarthy vs. Drake Maye 3rd QB Pick War Emerges as the Hot Topic

As a two-year starter at North Carolina, Maye boasts an impressive collegiate record, accumulating 8,018 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, and just 16 interceptions. His consistent performance has propelled him to the forefront of the 2024 NFL Draft discussions, currently ranking at No. 5 overall in Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 prospects list and second among quarterbacks.

Joining Maye at UNC’s pro day are standout players such as wide receiver Devontez Walker, linebacker Cedric Gray, and defensive tackle Myles Murphy. However, it is Maye who shines brightest among them, leading the charge as they showcase their talents to scouts ahead of the upcoming draft, which is just a month away.

Read More: Who Are the Parents of Drake Maye? A Glimpse Into the Childhood of UNC’s QB