All season long, barring some tragic, Sam Howell or Will Levis – type fall from grace, University of North Carolina quarterback, Drake Maye has been expected to both and be a first round pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft in April.
UNC did not have a great year – they went 4-4 in the not-particularly-competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and just 8-4 overall – scheduling out of conference games against the likes of Appalachian State and Campbell University. Despite this, Maye’s play, arm talent and other physical attributes have made him – alongside former Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, a likely 1-2 combination pick at the top of the NFL draft, were he to enter.
And now, per Ian Rapoport – we have our answer.
A potential top pick heads to the NFL. https://t.co/DBOEE5Cgl9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 11, 2023
What Is Drake Maye’s Stock Going Into The 2024 NFL Draft
Whilst fellow potential first round pick, Caleb Williams, has yet to announce his intentions to enter this year’s draft, it is widely expected that he will not return to USC for his senior year of college – even after ending on somewhat of a sour note.
And with Maye there was even less doubt. After first getting his opportunity to start at UNC following now Washington Commander, Sam Howell’s departure, the former four-star high school prospect demonstrated clearly why it was a good idea to give him the keys to the kingdom. He threw for 4,321 yards, amassing 38 touchdowns and 7 picks in his first season as a starter – as Tar Heels finished top of the ACC Coastal division with a 9-5 overall record.
This year, Maye’s numbers have not been quite so lofty as the team’s performance regressed slightly – throwing for 3,608, 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions across 12 games. Yet, scouts and GMs have still seen more than enough to anoint him a clear top five, and likely top two pick in this year’s draft.
This will be the first of many underclassman and hopeful first round picks declaring for the draft – let’s see who is next!
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