Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: North Carolina QB Drake Maye
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This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Drake Maye
North Carolina
Height-6040
Weight-230 lbs
Third-year junior
5-Star recruit per 247 Sports
Stats: 615-of-951 (64.7%), 7,990 yards, 62 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 121 carries, 1,547 yards, 16 touchdowns
Games watched: South Carolina 2023, Duke 2023, Minnesota 2023, Clemson 2023
Strengths
Maye is a talented passer with the frame of a prototypical quarterback and it shows in many facets of his game.
His footwork is crisp, especially in the quick game. Knows how to get his feet and hips setup and flipped with speed and efficiency. His transition to the NFL will be significantly easier because of his success and consistency in quick game concepts.
Maye throws a beautiful football. He can drive the ball to all levels of the field with accuracy and power. Throws a javelin deep ball and gives his receivers a consistent chance to win down the field.
Maye takes care of the fotball having only threw 16 interceptions and 26 turnover-worthy plays to 80 big-time throws.
Weaknesses
Maye has a tendency to bail the pocket early. His internal clock is off and he defaults way too often to bailing the pocket instead of staying patient and climbing the pocket. He misses some easy throws and big plays this way. The good news is that he showed improvement in that department as the season went on.
His mechanics are really good in the quick game but his processing can slow him down. Maye will see it downfield but his legs won’t be set and he has to hitch one extra time, causing him to be late on throws.
Maye tends to try and run the football a little too much. While he can take advantage of the defense in the running game, he tries to make plays he’s not quite capable of.
Overview
Arm Strength | 9.5/10 |
Accuracy | 8.6/10 |
Mechanics | 8.7/10 |
Ball Placement | 8.7/10 |
Throwing Motion | 9.3/10 |
Progressions | 8.5/10 |
Decision Making | 8.6/10 |
Functional Mobility | 9.5/10 |
Durability | 9.1/10 |
Poise | 8.0/10 |
Grade | 88.5/100 First Round |
I think Maye is easily a first-round quarterback and should go in the top five. However, there is this idea that he’s a slam dunk in the top five and that’s just not the case. He needs some work to get there but the tools and raw ability is both impressive and something worth developing.
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