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Maye originally committed to Alabama but then chose to follow his father and brother’s lead and attend the University of North Carolina where he started 26 of 30 games and threw for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdown passes. He had a better season in 2022 under former offensive coordinator Phil Longo who left after the season to join Luke Fickell’s staff at Wisconsin. Maye was ACC Player of the Year; Freshman All-American; First team All-ACC and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. He finished Second Team All-ACC last season.

Here is my scouting report on Drake Maye.

Drake Maye, QB, 6-4 223, North Carolina

Arm Strength: Maye has arguably the best arm in this class. He can drive the ball at all three levels and his ball can cut through the conditions. Throws a tight spiral with velocity on it. Can fit throws into tight windows like Jordan Love. Can also make big plays vertically on the move.

Set Up Quicks: A little choppy in his drop. Needs to clean it up but he takes long strides, doesn’t waste motion and sets up quick. Nice and tall at the top of his drop with active feet. Plays with a good base and has good power footwork when stepping into throws.

Accuracy: Can be up and down, especially inside the hashes. Maye can fit the ball into tight windows but then overthrow a simple crossing route versus man coverage. His vertical accuracy is impressive when he has time in the pocket and footwork syncs up with his arm.

Field Vision: Does a good job of scanning the field when he has time but he tends to press in the pocket, vacate his read and run around. Needs to be more patient in the pocket, work through progression and be willing to take one in the chops on occasion.

Running Ability: A good runner who can be used on designed running plays, especially in the red zone and goal line situations. Tough. Absorbs contact and isn’t afraid to drop his shoulder into a defender.

Delivery: Has a fluid release that’s clean. Generates power with his release and can get the ball out quick. His arm angle is good and he can make some legitimate big play throws off platform.

Ball Handling: Does a good job with his ball fakes. Drives the ball on play-action, comes up and is in a proper throwing position. He is tall at the top of drop and in position with his head and eyes down field.

Leadership: Leads with his play. Plays tough and his teammates respect him for that. Needs to do more in the second half of games moving forward. That will help him gain even more respect from his teammates.

Final Report: Maye has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this draft. He has prototypical size and arm talent with a good blend of athleticism. He really would benefit from sitting for a season and developing. If he is indeed the Patriots pick at three, they should take the Green Bay approach and sit him next season. He’s only 21. They can do that with him. If they do, he could blossom like Aaron Rodgers and Love did with the Packers.

Draft Range: 1st