As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is skyrocketing up draft boards. The 6’4″, 230-pound signal-caller possesses a tantalizing blend of elite arm talent, underrated athleticism, and advanced processing ability for his age. In his two seasons as the Tar Heels’ starter, Maye has thrown for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns while adding 1,147 rushing yards and 16 scores. However, questions remain about inconsistent mechanics, hero ball tendencies, and room for growth in reading full-field progressions.

Diving into the game film reveals special traits that give Maye a chance to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. He’s drawing lofty comparisons to NFL stars like Justin Herbert and Josh Allen for his prototypical size, rocket arm, and playmaking ability both in and out of structure.

Maye’s Rare blend of elite traits and room for growth

“Maye has a special arm,” raves an AFC scout. “He can make every throw with velocity and accuracy, even when he’s on the move.” Indeed, Maye’s ability to drive the ball to all levels of the field is his most eye-popping trait. He pairs that elite arm talent with underrated mobility, extending plays and picking up first downs with his legs. Most impressively, Maye shows advanced field vision and anticipation for a 21-year-old, manipulating defenders with his eyes.

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Maye has a prototypical size and a sturdy frame built for the NFL. He throws with excellent timing and rhythm when his first read is there. However, inconsistent mechanics, particularly footwork, can lead to erratic accuracy. In 2023, Maye completed just 58.7% of his passes under pressure, a significant drop from his 71.2% completion rate when given a clean pocket. He also tends to lock onto his initial target and force throws into coverage, leading to 14 interceptions over the past two seasons.

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Maye’s combination of physical tools and mental traits is rare for a young passer. He possesses many qualities that the NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. Still, his game has clear areas for refinement. Maye’s 14 interceptions and occasional lapses in decision-making highlight the need to iron out mechanical issues and hero ball tendencies. If he can clean up those weaknesses, Maye has the potential to reach an immense ceiling at the next level.

Refining Maye’s game for the NFL level

Maye’s elite arm talent, mobility, and natural feel for the position give him a unique ceiling. His ability to make high-level throws off-platform and create explosive plays reminiscent of a young Josh Allen will intrigue NFL teams like the Texans, Colts, and Commanders, who could be in the market for a franchise quarterback in 2024. In 2022 alone, Maye had 25 completions of 40+ yards, second-most in the nation. Maye’s game could reach another stratosphere if a coaching staff can harness his talent and clean up his mechanics and decision-making.

Having only two years of starting experience, Maye is just scratching the surface of his potential. His 81.2 QBR in 2023 was the highest by an ACC quarterback since Deshaun Watson’s 87.8 in 2016. The coaching staff that drafts and develops his ceiling will determine his ceiling. Adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses will be crucial to his early success and long-term outlook.

Maye’s elite physical tools and mental traits give him the potential to be a star NFL quarterback. His 91.3 PFF grade in 2023 was the highest among all draft-eligible quarterbacks. How high will he rise in a loaded 2024 quarterback class that includes Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels? Maye’s 8,076 total yards and 78 total touchdowns over the past two seasons stack up favorably to any quarterback in the country. What do you think?

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