NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Drake Maye Eyed By Giants, Vikings in Patriots Trade Talks

As Thursday's NFL draft quickly approaches, a pair of NFC teams are reportedly eyeing a trade-up for one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 class.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, NFL Network's Peter Schrager reported that the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants have been named as possible teams looking to move up to the No. 3 pick currently owned by the New England Patriots to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

The Giants own the No. 6 pick in the first round, while the Vikings have some ammo to play with after acquiring the No. 23 pick from the Houston Texans in addition to their No. 11 pick.

Many have speculated that Minnesota has been eyeing Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has risen up draft boards during the pre-draft process. However, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports confirmed Schrager's reporting that the Vikings are actually eyeing the Tar Heels signal-caller.

"Contrary to a vast amount of projection since March 15 — when the Minnesota Vikings dealt for the Houston Texans' No. 23 overall pick — there is a growing consensus among NFL teams that McCarthy is not the primary target in a potential trade-up for the Vikings," Robinson stated. "Instead, it's believed Minnesota's top target is Maye."

There is still a chance that neither the Giants nor the Vikings will have a shot at Maye. The Patriots are entering a new era under Jerod Mayo, who replaced longtime head coach Bill Belichick following his mutual departure from the team. New England traded away Mac Jones earlier this offseason, so it could choose to stay put and draft Maye to make him its franchise quarterback.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranks Maye as the top quarterback in the 2024 class in its latest draft big board, even ahead of presumptive No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. The team that drafts Maye could be getting a future star, so fans will be anxious to see how things play out on Thursday night.