When the first round of the NFL Draft commences on Thursday, all eyes will be on the Minnesota Vikings as they potentially shake up the draft board. Rumors have been swirling around the Vikings' intentions to trade up for a quarterback, and while the target has been a subject of speculation, recent reports indicate a shift in their preferences.

According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Vikings seem to be shifting their focus away from former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy towards another promising prospect - Drake Maye. Robinson's insights align with reports from The Athletic and NFL Media's Peter Schrager, indicating a growing consensus that Maye is Minnesota's top target for the draft.

However, even with a clear target in mind, securing Maye won't be an easy task for the Vikings. To move up to the third overall pick, Minnesota would likely be required to make a blockbuster trade. The New England Patriots hold that pick, but they have expressed interest in only accepting an offer that truly impresses them. While the Vikings have a valuable asset in Justin Jefferson, there is no indication they are willing to part ways with the talented wide receiver.

If the Vikings cannot strike a deal for Maye, they reportedly have a contingency plan in place: Bo Nix, the former quarterback from Oregon. A well-connected league source shared with Yahoo Sports that the Vikings would be comfortable using one of their two first-round picks (No. 11 or No. 23) to select Nix if their preferred scenario falls through. The fact that Nix had a private workout with the Vikings earlier this month adds weight to these claims.

One aspect working in Nix's favor is his accuracy, as he led all FBS passers in completion percentage during the previous season. This attribute would align well with the offensive scheme employed by Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell. Additionally, Nix's proficiency in play-action situations, an area in which he thrived at Oregon, meshes well with the Vikings' play-calling tendencies.

While the Vikings' intentions seem to be taking shape, it is also possible that all the speculation surrounding their quarterback preferences could be an elaborate smokescreen. As the draft approaches, teams often employ strategic maneuvers to keep their true intentions hidden. Nevertheless, the truth will soon be revealed as the NFL Draft is set to unfold in just one day's time.

As football fans eagerly await the draft, the Minnesota Vikings have positioned themselves for potentially game-changing moves. Whether they secure their top target in Drake Maye or adapt with their contingency plan to select Bo Nix, the Vikings are poised to make waves in the 2024 NFL Draft.