Drake Maye 2024 NFL draft scouting report, rankings, stats
Former North Carolina quarterbackDrake Mayeis likely to be a top-five pick inthe 2024 NFL draft. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound passer threw 63 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions over three college seasons, showcasing his arm strength and accuracy. He had 4,321 passing yards and 698 rushing yards in 2022, becoming the first FBS player with 4,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in a season since Kyler Murray in 2018.
Maye is ranked No. 6 overall in the ESPN consensus rankings ahead of the 2024 draft. Here's how draft experts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Steve Muench from Scouts Inc., Jordan Reid and Field Yates rank him in this class, along with their scouting reports:
Mock draft simulator | Team needs
Drake Mayescouting report and rankings
Reid's ranking: No. 3 overall, No. 2 QB
Watch his tape and you'll see five or six plays per game that make you marvel at Maye's overall ability. He has the arm strength to get the ball to all levels, completing 35 passes of 20-plus air yards -- third-most in the country. He has prototypical size and is also an underrated runner. Progression effectiveness is an area where Maye will need to improve, as he tends to hang onto reads too long and compound mistakes instead of getting through to the next available option. I see some similarities toJustin Herbert, though Maye's arm isn't quite as strong. -- Reid
Yates' ranking: No. 5 overall, No. 3 QB
Maye has a flamethrower arm, ideal size and very good mobility -- he led UNC in rushing in 2022 (698 yards) and scored 16 rushing TDs over the past two seasons. And he threw 22 go-ahead touchdown passes over the past two seasons, tied withMichael Penix Jr. for the most among my top six quarterbacks. -- Yates
Kiper's ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 3 QB
Maye had a fantastic debut season as the starter at UNC, throwing for 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns and seven picks in 2022. Helooksthe part of a big-time NFL quarterback. He can make every throw with ease. He's accurate on the move and can pick up first downs with his legs. Maye varies his pass speeds really well -- he knows when to take a little off to make it easier for his receivers. He has outstanding touch on vertical throws.
The biggest question about Maye heading into the 2023 season was about who was catching his passes, as his top two receivers --Josh DownsandAntoine Green-- are now in the NFL and transfer targetDevontez Walkerwasfinally made eligible. Breaking in new playmakers was part of the reason for predecessorSam Howell'sup-and-down 2021 seasonfor the Tar Heels, and Maye has had to figure things out with a new group.
Maye completed 63.3% of his passes during the season and his best performance came when he threw for 442 yards and three scoresagainst Syracuse. Still, he has had a few sloppy interceptions and I wanted to see him clean up those mistakes. He finished with 24 touchdown passes and nine picks.-- Kiper
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 3 QB
Maye extends plays, locates receivers late, adjusts his arm angle when necessary and makes impressive off-platform throws. He's tough and willing to take a hit to make a play, and he routinely makes plays under duress. Maye can thread the needle and lead receivers to yards after the catch when his footwork is sound, and he throws with a strong base from within the pocket. He's a threat to scramble for first downs, too, and pick up yards on designed quarterback runs. -- Muench
Miller's ranking: No. 9 overall, No. 3 QB
Maye's powerful right arm allows him to hit every area of the field, and high-level traits are obvious on tape. He has great arm strength and mobility to create on the go, and he is poised and aggressive as a passer and runner. Maye is also excellent under pressure and has proved he can carry a roster lacking in elite talent at core positions. He threw for 3,608 yards, 24 TDs and nine interceptions last season. Considering he had only 26 starts in college, we could see Maye sit early in his career -- but NFL scouts have already compared his ability to Herbert andJosh Allen. -- Miller
