Here’s why top QB prospect Drake Maye won’t throw at the NFL Combine
“The biggest thing for me is just getting here and getting in front of the teams."
Drake Maye was the only player in college football with over 7,000 passing yards (7,929) and 1,000 rushing yards (1,247) over the last two seasons, however the University of North Carolina quarterback won’t be throwing this weekend at the NFL Combine.
Instead, Maye told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that he’s using the week in Indianapolis to meet with teams and show them who he is off of the field.
“The biggest thing for me is just getting here and getting in front of the teams,” Maye said. “I’m not trying to be somebody I’m not. Just go in there with confidence in myself and confidence in what I do on the board and my tape. And from there just show them what I’m about and that I’m a competitor ready to go in there and compete.”
When asked by Pelissero about his decision to opt out of throwing at the Combine on Saturday, Maye explained that he’s waiting until Pro Day to show off his arm talent.
“Quarterback Pro Days are real intense now. You got about 60-something throws, you’re in there about 45 minutes to an hour,” the signal-caller said. He added that while there’s plenty of opportunity to flex his skills later this month, the combine is about getting face-time with teams.
The Patriots are one of roughly 10 teams meeting with Maye this week in Indy as they prepare for a rebuild. With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, New England has a shot at scooping up the 6-foot-4-inch quarterback.
“I’m ready to go compete wherever,” Maye said about the prospect of playing in Gillette this fall. “Great fan bases all across the NFL. I think all of these fans are something that I’m looking forward to catering to.”
Making a case for why he should be a team’s franchise quarterback, Maye highlighted his versatility as a quarterback – something that has contributed to his high draft stock.
“I can make a play with my feet, I can make a play throwing in the pocket. You don’t want to game plan for me – you want to game plan with me,” Maye said.
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