Former NFL player Merril Hoge expressed skepticism about North Carolina’s Drake Maye’s NFL prospects in an interview with WCCO’s Henry Lake.
Hoge highlighted Maye’s poor accuracy and cognitive processing as potential challenges he may face in the NFL, suggesting that drafting him could lead to job insecurity for team executives.
“Drake Maye is the type of player who could put your job on the line,” Hoge remarked.
“Drake Maye is the kind of player that will get you fired,” said Hoge in an interview on WCCO radio. “Especially if you draft him in the top five or top three, he’s going to get you fired.”
RELATED: Drake Maye Got Roasted Over Ugly Throw At Pro Day
Hoge drew comparisons between Maye and Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis, noting similarities in their erratic playing styles. Despite Maye’s impressive statistics, including 4,321 passing yards and 38 touchdowns in the 2022 season, Hoge raised concerns about his performance in critical moments, citing a particularly disappointing game against the Wolfpack where Maye struggled with interceptions and completion percentage.
“People may believe in his athleticism, but if he can’t adapt to the demands of NFL-level play, he may not last long,” Hoge cautioned.
As a former NFL running back, Hoge’s insights carry weight, and his assessment of Maye’s NFL potential adds another perspective to the ongoing debate surrounding the quarterback’s future in professional football.
