Why Vikings reportedly want blockbuster draft trade with Patriots

For a piece published on Monday morning, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter explained why the Minnesota Vikings "have attempted to move up" in the 2024 draft order from No. 11 to the No. 3 spot currently occupied by the New England Patriots. 

Schefter said that Minnesota's "preference" is to make North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye a replacement for veteran Kirk Cousins, who left the Vikings to sign with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. 

Maye was coached in high school by Josh McCown, Minnesota's quarterbacks coach, and the Vikings allegedly "are absolutely in love with" Maye. 

Most seem to consider it a lock that the Chicago Bears will draft USC Trojans star Caleb Williams first overall. Schefter revealed on Monday that "the signs continue to point to" the Washington Commanders selecting LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels via the draft's second choice. 

The Patriots have been linked in different stories with Daniels, Maye and Michigan Wolverines signal-caller J.J. McCarthy. Some have teased that Minnesota could move up to pick No. 4 or No. 5 for McCarthy assuming he drops out of the top three. 

Mike Reiss of ESPN reported on Sunday that it could take "an unprecedented deal" to get New England to trade down from the third selection. 

It was previously said that the Patriots want "a lot more than" three first-round picks in exchange for this year's third choice. 

"Many are waiting to see how the Patriots value Maye versus J.J. McCarthy and whether New England could make a play like the Cardinals, who made two trades in round one a year ago," Schefter added. 

Patriots reporter Mark Daniels of MassLive suggested this past Friday that New England could accept overall picks No. 11 and No. 23 this year along with first-round selections in 2025 and 2026 from the Vikings for choice No. 3. 

Such a trade would allow Minnesota to grab Maye and could result in the Patriots taking a flier on Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. via the 11th pick this Thursday night. 

For what it's worth, Patriots beat writer Chris Mason of MassLive predicted in a mock draft posted on Monday that New England will select Maye at pick No. 3. Also on Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Maye as the betting favorite at -145 odds to be the draft's third selection.

Whether or not Minnesota would include star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in a trade to move up to pick No. 3 shall be seen this week.