2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: North Carolina QB Drake Maye
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL draft. We have the scouting report for the prospect as the predraft process rolls on.
For many Indianapolis clubs, the quarterback position is at the forefront of the conversation as the NFL Scouting Combine continues this week. Drake Maye of North Carolina is one candidate that is at the center of the conversation, despite not throwing at the combine.Over the previous few seasons, Maye has proven himself to be one of the most gifted and experienced quarterbacks in college football, having started two seasons. Maye, a former five-star prospect, was Sam Howell’s backup during his freshman year before becoming the starting role as a true sophomore in 2022. Maye had an incredible stat line that sophomore year, throwing for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
Maye finished with 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his final season as a Tar Heel.Before the season, many scouts believed that Maye would be Caleb Williams’ 1A instead of 1B, or vice versa, depending on who you spoke to. However, there have recently been rumors circulating among various NFL draft media regarding a possible decline in Maye’s stock. It remains to be seen if this turns out to be accurate or if it’s merely pre-draft lying season rhetoric. Whatever the case, the Chicago Bears will be interested in Maye, a gifted prospect, at number one overall.tough assessment using the best metrics and instruments possible, but with inconsistent results that bring the floor down.
Maye’s strength and arm prowess are immediately apparent. He is capable of making every throw, yet he will attempt throws that he shouldn’t have. The gunslinger mindset not only helps him win in tight windows and make splash throws that get spectators (and evaluators) excited, but it also fosters a fearlessness that may translate into interceptions. He needs to learn when to take some sauce off the throw to make it more catchable because he leaves too many throws on the hip or back shoulder. Unquestionably, Maye has a certain energy to his game that can either build momentum or degenerate into chaos when plays don’t go as planned. His tape and combination of qualities make him a boom/bust candidate who may require patience.
Drake Maye
above-average athleticism and standard size for the position. Has more than enough energy to prolong plays with his feet outside the pocket at a good straight-line pace and can sustain hits while operating in the pocket. Arguably has the strongest arm in the class this year. possesses exceptional ball velocity, especially when making longer passes farther down the field. He can maintain good velocity even when struck or unbalanced thanks to his arm power.A relentless big-play hunter with an aggressive mentality who never lets up, eager to chuck the ball down the field. His career average depth of target, which jumped to 11 yards this past season, is the highest in this draft at 10.7 yards.
Drake Maye Weaknesses:
Drake Maye
Has a slightly prolonged release even though they generally play well and at a nice speed. In the rapid game especially on screens, release might restrict the number of yards after the catch options.
At this stage of his development, his footwork and lower body mechanics are all over the place. Rather than playing with a solid basis, he has a tendency to bounce in the pocket on his toes. causes problems with precision and timing.
An inconsistent feel and presence within the pocket. He tends to cave in under pressure, particularly on his first read. He looks around him in a clear pocket far too often, letting his guard down, which causes him to routinely take extra bags.Maye’s ability to escape sacks is in doubt because, despite his stature and strong straight-line athleticism, he lacks the quick-twitch quickness needed to elude opponents and reset in the pocket. converted over 19% of his pressures faced into sacks, which, according to PFF, is a really strong score and a statistic that holds steady as one moves into the NFL.
tends to have awful footwork and miss a few big open throws per game. Maye misses a lot of passes, especially when he throws along the sidelines to the middle of the field.
Will can linger too long on his first read and overlook additional possibilities that are within his progression. struggles to recognize defense post-snap changes and may become panicked as a result.
can become overly dependent on hero ball tendencies when under pressure early on and frequently during a single game. In these circumstances where he attempts to do too much, the majority of his plays that warrant a turnover occur.
Conclusion:
I’ve been impressed by the footage I’ve seen from the North Carolina product, and even though there has been talk around the league that some NFL teams aren’t as keen on Maye, he is my clear choice for number two quarterback in this year’s draft.
Any discussion about any other quarterback in this draft class save Williams topping Maye should be silenced, in my opinion. There is a C.J. Stroud quality to the conversation about Maye, and I believe that rather than being a reflection of how teams at the top see him, a lot of the bad talk stems from teams hoping he falls into range to trade up for him. For Bears supporters wounded by another North Carolina quarterback who wore number 10, it’s important to separate the helmet from the player in the scouting process. The bottom line is that Maye is a fantastic prospect, one who would be the no-brainer first-overall pick in most drafts if not for the presence of another quarterback who has gotten generational labels.
While there are aspects of his game that need to be improved, Maye has all the tools that NFL teams look for. Maye checks all the boxes when it comes to size, athleticism and arm strength to go along with traits that translate well to the next level. Even though I do have questions regarding his natural feel within the pocket, some of his other negatives can be easily corrected with proper coaching and experience.
Even though it’s anticipated that the Bears will select Williams, there is a scenario in which Maye ends up being the team’s first pick. With his ability to throw deep and over the middle both off play action and in the conventional drop-back game, Maye is a solid fit for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme. Maye also fits much more into the mold of picking candidates with size and traditional physical and athletic attributes—a trait that this administration has previously stressed.
In the end, Maye is among the best quarterback prospects to emerge in recent years, and after all is said and done, I anticipate that he will be selected in the top two spots of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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