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2024 NFL Draft: What Are the Landing Challenges for UNC Star Drake Maye?

Published 02/28/2024, 7:59 AM EST

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It’s that time of year again—rookie prospect season! We’re excited to explore where the most talented newcomers might end up. While a lot could change with the upcoming NFL combine, we can still speculate on player destinations. One player who has caught the attention of many during this draft season is Drake Maye, the talented UNC quarterback.

Maye ranks among the top-tier QBs alongside Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. Thus, his recent announcement to forgo the bowl game and declare for the NFL draft has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike. With anticipation building, everyone is eager to see which team will secure his talents.

Top picks: Patriots or commanders for Drake Maye?

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The Chicago Bears currently possess the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s speculated they might choose USC’s Caleb Williams, as betting odds heavily favor him as the top pick. However, some believe the Bears might stick with their current QB, Justin Fields. This scenario leaves little chance for Drake Maye.

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However, Maye is predicted to be drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders. Betting odds suggest a 58.3% chance of this happening, making them the most probable landing spot for the North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are also a strong contender for Maye. If Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are the first two picks, the Patriots would likely be excited to grab Maye with the third overall pick. In addition to them, the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants are also teams to consider. However, they are mostly considered long shots.

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Finding the perfect fit: Which team fits Drake Maye best?

Drake Maye showed his skills last season, completing 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 12 games for the Tar Heels. He’s known for his strong arm and accuracy, he fearlessly takes shots downfield and makes tight window throws. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he’s got the physical traits scouts love, plus he’s a capable runner with over 1,100 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons.

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Some might suggest that he’s definitely a good fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s system. However, analysts report that he needs to work on decision-making and footwork in tight situations. Overall, he’s an exceptional prospect who could become a key player for a team in the long run. If not, the Patriots would be a good fit too. If Bill Belichick is still with the team in 2024, he could help Maye adjust to the NFL and succeed. Even with or without Belichick, Maye in New England makes sense. He’s talented, has potential, and fits the mold of a quarterback well. But his immediate success will depend on the team’s support and coaching situation if they pick him.

Regardless of where he goes, Maye won’t need much polishing, and it’ll be interesting to see which team grabs this talent. What are your thoughts on this?

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Written by:

M.R. Jenifer

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Jenifer Martin is a college football writer for EssentiallySports. Recently, her coverage has focused on the latest developments in college football, including the transfer portal phenomenon and its impact on team dynamics. Before joining ES, she was a part of Pinkvilla as a fitness and sportainment writer.
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Edited by:

Tripti Sarda