University of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
Maye is considered to be one of the most prominent boom-or-bust candidates in this draft class, possessing terrific arm talent but some mechanical issues that could give him issues on the NFL level.
There was even a time where some felt he was neck and neck with USC’s Caleb Williams for the top quarterback prospect, but Williams ultimately separated himself from Maye.
Now, some even feel Maye has fallen behind LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who is the favorite to be selected No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders (Williams is expected to go the Chicago Bears at No. 1).
The good news is that Maye is working hard on his craft.
During a recent appearance on the This Is Football podcast, Maye revealed that he is being mentored by former Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller Philip Rivers.
Maye is coming off of a somewhat disappointing 2023 campaign in which he threw for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 63.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 449 yards and nine scores.
The 21-year-old arrived at North Carolina in 2021 and became the Tar Heels’ full-time starter during his sophomore season.
That year, Maye impressed, totaling 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven picks while completing 66.2 percent of his throws. He added 698 yards and seven scores on the ground.
Rivers is certainly a fine mentor to have.
The North Carolina State product played 17 seasons in the NFL, spending 16 of them with the Chargers. During that time, he made eight trips to the Pro Bowl.
We’ll see if working with Rivers helps Maye heading on to the professional level.
Who will end up drafting Drake Maye? We will find out on Thursday night.
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