The NFL Draft is just about two weeks away. The Patriots have the third overall pick and the belief is that they will use that pick on a quarterback. I have spoken to several people around the college game and the NFL in recent weeks just to get a sense on where they stand on Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J McCarthy.
Here are some of the notable quotes on each player.
Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
“Love his athleticism in and out of the pocket.”
“The production is there and it was over a period of time.”
“Weight is an issue. Can he add some pounds to that frame?”
“Has the arm but I need to see more consistency vertically.”
“The Lamar Jackson comp is unfair. Not the same athlete. Different. More Deshaun Watson, Tyrod Taylor physically than Jackson”
Thoughts: People I have spoken with like Daniels but I did not get the sense some loved him. That is to be expected. The opinion of him around the league seems to be pretty consistent. Good player but there are reservations about him being a great player or top five at the position. The arm talent is there but some consistency issues vertically and his inability to hang past a second read in the pocket is a concern. Factor in his weight and you can see why some teams like Daniels more than others.
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
” Love his size and vertical arm talent. Especially inside the numbers.”
“Can sling it but the decision making. Man…….”
“High ceiling….deep floor.”
“His success like any other quarterback will be determined by his landing spot. He needs to go to a situation where he can develop and a place that has the requisite pieces.”
“Forces the ball into tight spots too much for my liking.”
Thoughts: In line with what many people feel about Maye. They think he has a high ceiling but there are concerns about his decision making and his inconsistency. Mechanically, he also has some bad habits that exacerbate his issues. He has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in this class but he will need time to develop. Barring a great camp, he really should sit as much as possible this season.
J.J McCarthy, QB, Michigan
“A winner. He has won at every level. That means something.”
“Harbaugh coached him. Jim knows a thing or two about quarterback play and development.”
“Athletic. Fits in today’s world of pocket movement and off-platform throws.”
“I like the kid’s intangibles but man, he needs to play better from the pocket and play with some anticipation.”
“Needs refinement. A lot of refinement physically. It could take a while.”
Thoughts: As I have said all along, I feel that the football community is higher on McCarthy than the media. While I do not think he is a top ten pick, McCarthy will go in the top ten. At worse, his floor is 12th overall to the Broncos. McCarthy will need time but the winning pedigree and physical tools are there for him to potentially succeed in the NFL down the road.