ESPN Analyst Merril Hoge Raises Drafting Concerns Over Drake Maye

There are two types of Drake Maye fans: Merril Hoge and others. The NFL expert who was formerly a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers said some of the most damaging things about the North Carolina QB prospect.

ESPN Analyst Merril Hoge Raises Drafting Concerns Over Drake Maye

Although I acknowledge that Maye has a lot of potential for a bust, Hoge’s dissection of Maye and his comparison to Jayden Daniels went too far.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Chicago Bears will select Caleb Williams with the first choice in the 2018 NFL Draft, or they will trade with a club that is prepared to break glass in order to have a chance to get a player who will be a generational talent.

For some months now, the general consensus has been that Drake Maye of North Carolina will be the second quarterback available and that there’s a very good possibility he chooses to go number two. And there’s a good chance Jayden Daniels of LSU drops out at No. 3.

To put it briefly, the quarterbacks are the main focus of this upcoming draft, and with only a few weeks left until the NFL comes to Detroit to announce selections, several players are in a critical position.

While Maye should be a top-three to eight pick, Hoge would not even draft him in the first round…

“I wouldn’t draft Maye in the first round; there are a bunch of things that bother me – he’s extremely inconsistent, his accuracy and processing are inconsistent, he misses a lot of hots, he’s not extremely athletic, and I find him more stiff. He’s got a longer throwing motion which allows more hits in our league than he gets in college, and I’m just bothered by it.”

He is completely erratic when it comes to throwing the football,” Hoge continued.

“It’s a big concern. Can you button those things up? Can you get a little better? Here’s what my ultimate belief is from playing in this league, coaching, studying this league for 40 years — you just don’t correct that. It actually is magnified when you get to the National Football League.

“That’s when you become more erratic, and it’s on all throws. It’s short, intermediate, long.”

Maye has the biggest bust potential out of the six quarterbacks who might be selected in the first round this spring, most likely for the reasons Hoge listed. At North Carolina, Maye accomplished nothing to improve the caliber of the players around him.

He generally got moving when things became hard. You will have a difficult time holding your own against the Philadelphia Eagles if you falter against opponents like the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

What is so special about Drake Maye?

The quintessential quarterback prospect is Drake Maye. He possesses all the qualities you seek for in a franchise quarterback: size, quickness, and arm strength. The foundation of Maye’s game is his arm skill.

Is Drake Mayes family wealthy?

The Maye family has a long history of success and accomplishment in sports. Before pursuing coaching and business ventures, Mark Maye, his father, gained notoriety in the NFL as a safety for the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs. It is believed that Mark Maye is worth $5 million.

Is Drake Maye a top pick?

Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of North Carolina are regarded by many draft analysts as the two best prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

NBA Competition Committee Trying To Find A Midway Through Offense & Defence