When the New England Patriots are on the clock third general within the 2024 NFL Draft subsequent month, there’s a practical probability North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye can be their selection. One of many high QB prospects obtainable, Maye would assist deal with the Patriots’ largest want.
Whether or not he’ll truly be obtainable won’t be completely as much as the Patriots — the Washington Commanders at No. 2 are additionally available in the market for a brand new quarterback — however they’re ensuring to do their homework on him. His professional day on Thursday was proof of that.
Led by head coach Jerod Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf, the group had 9 individuals current. Not solely did they watch his throwing session at North Carolina’s Chapel Hill facility, in addition they had a personal assembly with Maye forward of his professional day exercise.
“They’ve been nice,” the 21-year-old mentioned about his assembly with the Patriots. “Coach Mayo, clearly, first-year head coach — congrats to him. I used to be simply in there, speaking with the brand new offensive coordinator, Coach Van Pelt, and simply discovered their stuff. I believe it’s simply been superior for such a historic program, workforce, and the historical past up there in New England.
“Simply getting an opportunity to attempt to get to know them, get to know what they’re about, and their championship mindset of getting again to the glory days has been cool.”
Maye and the Patriots have been involved for a while now, and likewise had a gathering on the Scouting Mix in Indianapolis in February. Given the emptiness atop their present quarterback depth chart, it’s no shock they’re taking a detailed have a look at him.
A self-described “huge dude that may transfer,” Maye began 26 video games throughout his Tar Heels profession and went a mixed 611-of-942 for 7,929 yards with 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His productiveness in faculty paired with pure arm expertise and prototypical measurement and intriguing athleticism shortly allowed him to ascertain himself as one of many high gamers within the draft.
Maye coming off the board inside the first three picks looks as if guess, with Washington and New England the 2 likeliest locations. On the finish, although, solely time will inform the place he’ll truly find yourself.
Maye himself, in the meantime, will not be apprehensive about any of that.
“Simply give attention to my craft and whoever chooses me, I believe they’re going to be comfortable. And from there, simply work from there,” he mentioned on Thursday.
“I’m simply able to go wherever. I believe all of the individuals say, ‘Hey, do you need to go right here or right here?’ I’m able to go wherever. I really feel like I can add lots to a workforce.”