2024 NFL Draft Profile: Quarterback Drake Maye, UNC
Strengths, weaknesses and a summary of quarterback Drake Maye.
Drake Maye
Position: Quarterback
School: UNC
Play Style: Mobile Pocket Passer
Age: 21
DOB: 8/30/2002
Height: 6'4
Weight: 223 lbs
40-Time: 4.6
FantasySP Position Ranking: 3
Round Projected: Top 10 Overall
NFL Comp: Justin Herbert
Summary
If you were going to make quarterback in a lab, he would look like Maye. He is the prototype. His film shows that he is a big strong kid with a cannon for an arm that can launch the ball downfield, or throw lasers on short and medium routes while also being athletic enough to make plays with his legs when needed.
There is no doubt if he puts it all together he has the most upside of any quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he is not nearly as good at playing his position as any of the other quarterbacks who have a shot at being drafted in the first round or early second round. This will be the ultimate high-risk high-reward pick in this year's draft and odds are he'll be a top-five pick.
No matter where he lands, that team is getting a project that doesn't look close to being NFL-ready on film. That doesn't mean he won't be worth the selection long term though if he is able to develop with a good coaching staff in a strong system that limits his need to make decisions early on in his career. His film shows a lot of mistakes, poor decision-making, and turnovers due to his own mistakes which are both mental and caused by inaccuracy.
Strengths
- Elite arm talent and can make any throw on the field
- Throws the ball with a ton of zip on it
- He's a big strong quarterback with ideal size for the NFL
- Good athlete who can make plays with his legs when things break down
- Can squeeze balls in tight windows and make throws most QBs can't
- Does a decent job of going through his progressions and not locking on to one receiver or panicking under pressure
- Has the arm strength to make throws off platform
- Can throw the ball from all types of angles with plenty of velocity
Weaknesses
- Accuracy Issues
- Tends to underthrow intermediate routes and spike them near the receiver's feet
- Struggles with crossing routes and on quick passes leaving them being the pass-catcher instead of leading them
- Not great with timing routes and struggles with anticipation
- Struggles to break down complex defenses, especially when they bring pressure
- Not great diagnosing the defense prior to the snap
- Poor decision-making skills which lead to turnovers
- Generally inconsistent in all areas of the game including mechanics, footwork, decision-making and decisiveness
Our Take
We have Maye ranked as the QB3 in this draft class where some people have him listed higher or lower due to his strengths and weaknesses listed above. No one should be surprised if he comes in the league and ends up being a complete bust or if he lights the league on fire in year one with highlight-reel plays.
Where he lands could make or break this young QB. If he lands with a team and staff that can take their time, stick with him, and develop him, the sky is the limit for Maye. However, if that isn't the case, he could be a complete disaster, which is usually the case in today's NFL. Still, his arm talent and upside make him worth the pick for a QB-needy team once Caleb WIlliams and Jayden Daniels are off the board.
#2024-nfl-draft #2024-nfl-draft-profile
