NFL
NFL DRAFT: DRAKE MAYE: SUPERSTAR OR BUST?
Merril Hodges thinks that whoever drafts Maye will ultimately get fired in the long run when it doesn’t work out.
Apr 8, 2024
Will Drake Maye live up to the hype that could make him a top 5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft or will he cost his new head coach his job?
Merril Hodges thinks that whoever drafts Maye will ultimately get fired in the long run when it doesn’t work out. “
Drake Maye is the kind of player that will get you fired,” said Hoge in an interview on WCCO radio. “Especially if you draft him in the top five or top three, he’s going to get you fired.”
NFL Networks, Daniel Jeremiah, ranks Maye as the 5th most wanted player in the upcoming draft. Below is Jeremiah's analysis:
Maye has prototypical size, athleticism, and arm strength. He has quick feet and quick hands, but his delivery can get long at times. He’s a gifted thrower who drives the ball without much foot space in the pocket (including with defenders hanging on him). He can take pace off the ball on swings and shallow crossers. He has a nice touch on bucket throws down the field. He is athletic to escape and create with his legs and he’s tough to tackle in space. He is ultra-competitive as a runner, something he'll need to dial back a bit at the next level. His pass protection wasn’t good last season at North Carolina and there weren’t always answers in the route to bail him out, which led to some poor decisions and carelessness with the ball. Overall, Maye has some things to clean up, but he has every ingredient to be a top-tier starter at the game's most important position.
NFL Films Greg Cosell: "You're dealing with a guy that has tremendous talent, great physical traits. But there's a lot of detail and nuance that he needs to clean up. The other thing that is a little concerning, I thought his inconsistent and erratic ball placement could well be a problem.
“I would love to see someone like Drake Maye in the Kevin O’Connell offense… I would love to see Drake Maye in the context of that offense.”
THE UNDERRATED LINE:
The bottom line is Maye will not be a bust if he ends up in the right situation. He is the kind of quarterback who needs to end up with an offensive head coach who is going to bring him along slowly, but if ends up with a team that throws him into the fire, they may be getting the second coming of Sam Darnold or Zack Wilson.
