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In the intricate world of fantasy football, the quest for hidden gems and rising stars is an annual ritual for enthusiasts and analysts alike. As I embark on my yearly scouting process, one particular player stood out from my initial watch of this year's top quarterback prospects; North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
After looking through Mayes's tape from over the past two seasons, he's emerged as one of my favorite quarterback prospects in recent memory. Maye has secured the second-highest grade in my assessments since I started analyzing players back in 2020. It was clear to me while watching Maye that he exhibited remarkable similarities to Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen.
?INTRO TO DRAKE MAYE?
Have a rookie draft you need to prepare for this summer? Check out this 2023 intro to one of the best prospects in the NFL Draft, Drake Maye!
? THREAD:
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Key Attributes and Play Style
Maye's arm strength is nothing short of exceptional, as he is capable of delivering frozen ropes downfield with ease. Maye is slightly below the caliber of the previous year's standout, Anthony Richardson, but he's great in his own right. Maye's ability to unleash throws to all levels of the field with high velocity stands out on his film.
Maye has the mobility and prowess as a rusher, adding a dynamic element to his game, reminiscent of the rare combination seen in Josh Allen. Maye also displays commendable vision as a runner and has an understanding of leveraging blocks. On top of that, Maye is great at navigating in the pocket.
Maye's accuracy is particularly impressive, especially on deep throws, though inconsistencies in his ability to layer throws to the intermediate level surfaced on his film, which is a minor concern. Like Allen, Maye exhibits a tendency for aggressive and risky plays, contributing to his overall effectiveness but can also harm the young quarterback. Maye's ability to navigate the pocket and overcome pressure showcases his resilience, although, at the next level, he will have to quicken his release.
This was the first of two picks for Maye. His issues with precision on the run show up here. He extends well and makes the right read but allows the DB to undercut the throw pic.twitter.com/EXBnCjcGyx
Film Breakdown
While Maye excels in various facets of his game, he is not the most anticipatory thrower, a skill that doesn't seamlessly align with his overall play style. Despite this, glimpses of anticipatory throws on his tape indicate an ability that can be harnessed with further development. Additionally, Maye's progression through reads, at times, lags, as he often is slow working back to his first read, leaving room for improvement in the swiftness of his decision-making.
The aspect of Maye's game that warrants scrutiny is his footwork. Maye has shown inconsistencies in his footwork, especially when his base widens in clean pockets. When Maye widens his base, it can lead to stability and accuracy issues. Unlike quarterbacks of different statures who might mask such imperfections, Maye needs to address these concerns to maximize his potential.
Final Thoughts
Drake Maye emerges as a top-tier quarterback prospect with raw tools that position him as a potential cornerstone for an NFL franchise. Maye's powerful arm, impressive mobility, and foundational mechanics form a solid foundation for growth and development. Echoing the play style of the dynamic Josh Allen, Maye brings a unique flair that sets him apart from other quarterback prospects of recent memory.
Drake Maye’s 3 touchdown passes vs Oregon ?!
Dude has an easy arm and his accuracy is real. 2024 QB1 is not a closed case imo!pic.twitter.com/LqLTdAHO7J
Despite certain areas that warrant refinement, Maye undeniably deserves consideration as a top pick in this year's draft and your dynasty rookie drafts. As Maye refines his skills and addresses the nuances of his game, the sky is truly the limit.
