Drake Maye: QB1 2024 NFL Draft Class

If Chargers quarterback (QB) Justin Herbert and former NFL QB Colin Kaepernick had a baby, it would be North Carolina’s Drake Maye.

There are some striking resemblances when it comes to tools and mechanics between those two and this Tar Heels’ QB.

Maye’s mobility and athleticism are like Kaepernick’s, while his upper body mechanics are like Herbert’s.

Kaepernick excelled outside the pocket while having the ability to use touch passing down the field. As a prospect, Herbert checked the athleticism box as well, but he did most of his damage from within the pocket.

Maye’s tools allow him to unleash whether inside or outside the pocket.

Overview: Drake Maye

6-foot-4, 230 pounds

40 Time: 4.60 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2022 Stats: 342/517 (66.2%) 4,321 yards (8.4 avg) 38 TDs/7 INTs and 40 sacks

Level of Competition: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: First Round (Top 10) Early 2023 Fall Report

2022 Film Evaluated: Clemson, Miami, Notre Dame, and Wake Forest

2023 Film Evaluated: Minnesota and South Carolina

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Modern-day, prototypical NFL QB. His arm strength, athleticism, and IQ combination put him at the top of this draft class. Consistently steps into throws and his follow-through is a great component of his arm strength. Generates high-level velocity effortlessly and has a quick release. His hip torque and upper body strength allow him to push the ball outside the numbers and through tight coverage with very little strain. Displays consistent anticipation when reacting to breaks in a route and reading zones. He can make every NFL throw with ease through all levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep). Leads the way with the best footwork within the pocket while using his natural balance and light feet to move.

In North Carolina’s offensive style, he’s ahead of the game with his ability to progress through a defense. He continues that progression even when the pocket breaks down and has to escape, using his eyes downfield. Maye is a dual-threat that can create with elite arm talent, energy, fluid athleticism, and effortless off-platform ability.

His weaknesses include being slow in his progressions at times (which helps to explain why he was tied for the sixth most sacked college QB last season per ESPN). This is often caused by coverage rotations at the snap that seem to confuse him. Has consistency issues with his touch outside the pocket on throws. At times, you can catch him standing too tall in the pocket which drops his mobility.

Summary:

Maye is everything you look for in a potential franchise quarterback. Even though he can be slow at times in processing through his reads, he checks off almost all the boxes scouts look at. In 2022, North Carolina had one of the worst offensive lines in college football, but Maye managed to put up eye-popping numbers despite being under constant pressure. He shows he can stay poised in the pocket and throw an accurate ball on and off platform. When he has an opening, his legs can be a threat outside the pocket whether he tosses it out to a receiver or keeps it. Maye is a great instinctive passer who can test defenses in the intermediate and deep ranges, and he does a good job staying in rhythm and taking what’s given. He’s a field general type given his situational awareness and talent.

Who will he remind us of?

A combination of Justin Herbert and Colin Kaepernick

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF (Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.