UNC HC Mack Brown praises QB Drake Maye’s ceiling

Drake Maye is already thought-about one of many high quarterback prospects within the NFL Draft, however his head coach at North Carolina, Mack Brown, believes his ceiling is perhaps larger than the remainder. 

Talking with the ACC Community at North Carolina’s professional day on Thursday, Brown defined what he sees in his former signal-caller. 

“The ceiling is so excessive as a result of he is solely performed two years,” Brown said. “I imply this man, he is obtained Tremendous Bowl written throughout him in some unspecified time in the future on the market. And that is why all these persons are right here right now watching him.” 

In comparison with the opposite quarterbacks projected to go off the board within the first three picks of this 12 months’s NFL Draft, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels every had greater than two seasons of beginning expertise on the collegiate stage. So, the idea is that anybody drafting Maye will see a quarterback who continues to develop and will simply be the face of the franchise for a decade or extra. 

Regardless of beginning solely two seasons with the Tar Heels, Maye led North Carolina to a 17-9 document and ranks fifth in program historical past in passing yards (8,018) and fourth in touchdowns (63). He additionally proved harmful on the bottom, speeding for 1,147 yards and 16 scores. 

Whereas the professional day was technically a stage for all North Carolina gamers to showcase their expertise for NFL scouts, most attendees had been clearly there to see Maye. In response to Mike Garafolo of NFL Community, the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, who personal the No. 2 and No. 3 general picks respectively in April’s draft, had vital presences readily available. The Denver Broncos, choosing at No. 12 general, additionally surprisingly confirmed up in pressure. 

After selecting to not throw on the NFL Mix, Maye’s efficiency on Thursday was spectacular, for essentially the most half. Other than a couple of misfires, he showcased his cannon for an arm over a script of 60 throws, hitting receivers in stride and throwing deep dimes off his again foot.