Drake Maye

Overview
Challenging evaluation with top-flight measurables and tools but inconsistencies that create a lower floor. Maye’s size and arm talent jump off the tape immediately. He can make every throw, but he will try to make throws that he shouldn’t have attempted. The gunslinger mentality creates a fearlessness that can turn into interceptions, but it will also allow him to win in tight windows and make splash throws that get crowds (and evaluators) on their feet. He leaves too many throws on the back shoulder or hip and needs to learn when to take some sauce off the throw to make it more catchable. There is an undeniable energy to Maye’s game that can create momentum or turn chaotic when plays come off-schedule for him. The combination of traits and tape make him a boom/bust prospect who might need patient management and coaching to help shepherd him toward his potential.

Strengths
Two years of starting experience and still very moldable.
Two-time team captain with prototypical size and frame.
Ball comes off his hand with tight spiral and good velocity.
Can expedite operation time and release when pressure closes in.
Unquestionable arm talent to connect from challenging angles.
Fearless passer with the guts and arm to whip the ball into tight windows.
Quick pocket climber with discipline to continue searching for targets.
Mobility to slide free of pocket traffic and toughness to go get needed yards.
Showed flashes of the clutch gene during his career.

Weaknesses
Struggles with the chess match against pressure looks.
Inefficient throwing motion creates inconsistencies in accuracy.
Receivers had to chase too many intermediate throws into the turf.
Leaves the ball behind crossing routes and RPO targets.
Can get uncomfortable when initial reads aren’t clear and clean.
Sixteen career interceptions were mostly earned with poor decisions or throws.