Drake Maye 2024 NFL draft scouting report
The 2024 NFL draft is still two months away but we are starting to hit the busy time of the cycle. The NFL world will descend on Indianapolis in late February for the annual scouting combine, giving players the chance to run through tests as well as drills on the field.
They will also meet with NFL teams for the first time in the draft process, marking a very important event. From there, pro days will take center stage as will private meetings.
For North Carolina, their top draft prospect is quarterback Drake Maye. The quarterback started in two of his three years at North Carolina, arriving as a five-star recruit and a player that decommitted from Alabama to join the Tar Heels.
Maye won the starting job ahead of the 2022 season after sitting one year behind Sam Howell. From the start you could see the talent was there for Maye has he put together a fantastic season in 2022 for the Tar Heels.
In 2023, Maye entered the season with high expectations, leading the Tar Heels to a top 10 ranking at one point before the team hit a speed bump to derail the season. Still, the skill-set was there for Maye as he’s hoping to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board come April’s draft.
Let’s take a look at the scouting report for Maye as the draft inches closer and closer.
College Stats
2021
4 games: 7-of-10, 70 completion percentage, 89 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
2022
14 games: 342-of-517, 66.2 completion percentage, 4,321 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, 7 interceptions.
2023
12 games: 269-of-425, 63.3 completion percentage, 3,608 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 9 interceptions.
Lance Zierlein analysis
“Challenging evaluation with top-flight measurables and tools but inconsistencies that create a lower floor. Maye’s size and arm talent jump off the tape immediately. He can make every throw, but he will try to make throws that he shouldn’t have attempted. The gunslinger mentality creates a fearlessness that can turn into interceptions, but it will also allow him to win in tight windows and make splash throws that get crowds (and evaluators) on their feet. He leaves too many throws on the back shoulder or hip and needs to learn when to take some sauce off the throw to make it more catchable. There is an undeniable energy to Maye’s game that can create momentum or turn chaotic when plays come off-schedule for him. The combination of traits and tape make him a boom/bust prospect who might need patient management and coaching to help shepherd him toward his potential.”
Strengths/Weaknesses
Strengths:
Not afraid to throw into tight windows
Good mobility
Good pocket presence
Can deliver throws to all levels of the field
Good deep ball passer
Good spiral
Weaknesses:
Some struggles in his 2023 season at times
Pressure can get to him and throw him off his game at times
Sometimes does hold the ball a little too long
Does take risks which sometimes can cost him
Mock Draft ranking (As of 2/21)
Per NFL Mock Draft Database, Drake Maye is in the first round in 98.5 percent of mock drafts as of Feb. 21. He’s being mocked the most to the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock draft has Maye going to New England at No. 3.
Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft has Maye going No. 2 overall to Washington.
Drake Maye vs. Duke (2022)
Drake Maye vs. Oregon in 2022 Holiday Bowl
Drake Maye vs. Duke (2023)
Drake Maye vs. NC State (2023)
