With the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Patriots draft Drake Maye — quarterback from North Carolina. Maye was widely viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in this draft class and a truly can’t-miss prospect. Let’s take a look at what Drake Maye brings to the Patriots.
Drake Maye NFL Draft Profile 2024
Drake Maye
Position: QB
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 223 lbs
Age: 21
College: North Carolina Tar Heels
Drake Maye Highlights
Drake Maye Combine Results
Unfortunately, we did not get to see Drake Maye perform at the 2024 NFL Combine. He is viewed by most experts as a guaranteed top-five pick in this draft. Therefore, he did not feel the need to participate at the Combine.
However, we did get to see Maye perform at North Carolina’s pro day. Maye started off hot, completing 22 straight passes to begin his workout. He showed off his arm strength by making big throws downfield with great velocity. He got some backlash on social media from fans for throwing a bad incompletion. The route appeared to be a simple miscommunication between Maye and his WR on the timing of the route. This play should not be a concern whatsoever when evaluating Maye.
Drake Maye Scouting Report
Strengths
Drake Maye is viewed as a moldable prospect due to his prototypical NFL QB size and frame. His size is intriguing to NFL general managers because he will have a better chance at staying healthy compared to smaller frame QBs. His arm strength is phenomenal, and he has the ability to make those tight window throws that are difficult to make in the NFL. His arm talent allows him to throw off-platform and under pressure which should translate well. Maye’s arm talent is similar to Justin Herbert’s which makes him such an intriguing prospect.
He is a lot more mobile than what people give him credit for. His running ability will allow him to escape the pocket when pressured to pick up positive yards past the line of scrimmage. This mobility also allows him to evade pressure and throw on the run. He has great pocket presence that allows him to step up in the pocket to make big throws.
Weaknesses
Maye made a few head-scratching throws in 2023 that resulted in some pretty ugly interceptions. He was often trying to make something out of nothing when a play would break down. Maye will need to improve on throwing the ball away and checking it down to avoid turning the ball over once he gets to the NFL.
What to Expect From Drake Maye in 2024
Drake Maye’s physical traits are those that we see in the average NFL quarterback today. With being a big strong player, Maye’s chances of injuries are minimized when compared to players like Jayden Daniels or Michael Penix. While Maye is certainly not the most exciting quarterback in the draft, he has the capability to make really good plays throwing on the run. While he will struggle to make throws at times, Maye’s underrated rushing ability will help to get him out of tough situations.
