Social media is always ready to pounce.
Football enthusiasts are taking aim at North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye following a viral video showcasing one errant throw during his Pro Day.
Maye, esteemed as a top-three quarterback prospect in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft alongside USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels, faces scrutiny as the Chicago Bears are anticipated to select Williams with the No. 1 pick. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are expected to contemplate Maye, Daniels, or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy with the second overall pick.
While it’s unwise to draw definitive conclusions from a single practice mishap, Maye’s off-target throw ignited a social media frenzy, prompting varied reactions from observers.
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Despite the spotlight on this errant pass, Maye’s overall performance during Thursday’s Pro Day garnered attention from analysts and scouts, including NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. It’s essential to recall that Zach Wilson, selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft, impressed at his Pro Day, yet faced challenges in his subsequent NFL career.
In his final collegiate season, Maye demonstrated proficiency, completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,608 yards and tallying 24 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Although Maye may lack the polish of Williams or the dual-threat prowess of Daniels, his strong arm and pocket presence suggest he could be a franchise-altering quarterback for the right team. Even if the Commanders opt for another prospect, Maye is expected to remain a top-three selection. Alternatively, if the New England Patriots pass on him at No. 3, they may explore trading down to accommodate a team seeking a promising quarterback of Maye’s caliber.
