The biggest debate in the 2024 NFL Draft will be which quarterback will go first in the highly anticipated draft. Will it be USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina star Drake Maye?
With quarterback hungry teams currently at the top of the draft, the player selected first may depend on the fit of the team in position to draft either of them.
Officially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Maye is an extremely talented passer with the size and above average speed of a prototype quarterback. At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, the Tarheels star has not only shown command in the pocket with his ability to read defenses and zip passes into tight spots, he is also able to manipulate the pocket and make plays with his leg.
NFL ready, Drake Maye has NFL teams drooling over his elite traits as a talented passer
Coming off a final season at UNC in which he passed over 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and a QBR rating of 78.9, Maye possesses many of the traits of the modern-day quarterback. Which team will be his best chance to transcend those traits to the NFL level.
As stated by one NFL executive, a team’s offensive philosophy will play a big part in who selects Maye.
"It's going to come down to what team has the No. 1 pick and the style of offense that they play," the executive said told ESPN. "Honestly, it depends on the offensive coordinator and the scheme they are running. They are going to go for fit and feel."
That executive also went on to compare Maye to Eli Manning entering the NFL Draft. Although the younger Manning went on to win two Super Bowls with the New York Giants, teams in position to draft Maye are hoping he’s even better. So, let’s take a look at three teams that present the perfect opportunity for Maye.
Atlanta Falcons could soar to another level with Drake Maye
Imagine Drake Maye leading the Atlanta Falcons offense with playmakers like Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.
The Falcons are currently 6-8 and still have a shot to win the NFC West, but with the talent they have at the skill positions offensively, fans of the team could only wonder where they’d be if they had star power at the quarterback position.
The Falcons started the season with Desmond Ridder who has been benched for Taylor Heinicke. Neither quarterback look like they are the answer so Atlanta must turn their attention to either trading for a quarterback who may be on the trade block like a Kyler Murray, signing a quarterback like Baker Mayfield in free agency or grab a top talent in the draft like Maye.
Currently the Falcons would have the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft which takes them out of the reach for Maye. At that spot they should have a shot at a quarterback talent like LSU’s Jayden Daniels or Oregon’s Bo Nix, but a few more losses can put them in that top 6 or 7 range where they could possibly trade up if they really believe Maye is the answer.
With his offensive style, the North Carolina star would be a nice fit for the style of play calling Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone likes to run. As a former quarterback himself, Ragone is a coach who can really relate to the quarterback which would be an added benefit for any young quarterback entering the system, especially one with extreme talent.
New York Giants begin a new chapter with Drake Maye
The New York Giants will be in an interesting position come draft time. Will they stick with Daniel Jones or move on?
Despite the Tommy DeVito hype, the Giants will need to upgrade their offense in the offseason and that could be moving on from Jones and his contract. Currently sitting with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Giants will have their choice of quarterback options if they decide to go in that direction. Some mock drafts have them selecting Jayden Daniels, but if they end up with a higher pick Drake Maye will be an interesting choice.
Given how he reminds one NFL executive of Eli Manning coming out of college, Maye could be the upgrade at the position the Giants need. While the offense has found a little spark with the DeVito mania, the team still has consistency issues even when Daniel Jones was healthy. That could cause Giants head coach Brian Daboll to go in another direction in a quarterback like Maye.
As the most pro ready quarterback, drafting Maye will help the team move away from Daniel Jones as he will them a more talented downfield passer who can move in the pocket and outside of the pocket when needed. The only potential setback or roadblock in Maye’s success in New York will be the playmakers surrounding him. Will Sequon Barkley be back and can the team add other weapons to go along with outstanding rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and tight end Darren Waller?
Interesting questions ahead for the Giants and especially if they choose to move on from Daniel Jones.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye could be the answer in Foxborough!
The New England Patriots would be a great situation for Drake Maye depending on the coaching staff in place.
If Bill Belichick is still leading the team in 2024, either Bill O’Brien or Josh McDaniels (if he returns to New England) would help Maye adjust to the NFL and set him up for eventual success. Anyone looking at the Mac Jones debacle would cringe, but Maye has the physical attributes to be more successful in New England if the team also makes some upgrades along the offensive line and find some above average playmakers.
Currently with the No. 2 pick overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots can go in several directions with the pick. If Maye is off the board, they can draft another position of need with the pick and draft a quarterback in the second round or trade back for additional picks and grab a quarterback like Bo Nix or Jayden Daniels.
But if Maye is right there at No. 2, the Patriots must pounce on a quarterback who can make the throws Jones has not been able to make over the last couple years. He is also an above average quarterback who can extend plays and that’s where he could find a bond with Demario Douglas, a shifty receiver who is far and away the most talented playmaker the Patriots currently have on the roster.
With or without Belichick, Drake Maye in New England makes sense. He’s talented, has the prototypical build for a quarterback and is a player who can make the explosive plays down field as well as fit the ball into tight spaces. Whether he has instant success will depend on who the Patriots surround him with and what the coaching situation is if and when the Patriots select him.
Do you agree that Drake Maye is a fit for either the Falcons, Giants, Patriots or some other team? Have a talent for writing and love the NFL? Well, put that talent on display at NFL Mocks where we are looking for paid contributors. Click here to apply!