Mock drafts have Drake Maye going No. 2 overall, but Merrill Hoge thinks that’s too high.
Hoge, a former ESPN NFL analyst who played running back for the Steelers and Bears, appeared on FS1’s “The Herd” on Tuesday and was asked why he wasn’t scouting quarterback candidates for North Carolina State.
“His handling – I see him function under pressure. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him execute pressure properly — identify that. A lot of times he does I’m going to miss that,” Hoge, 59, said.
“Sometimes you see his head in that position and he doesn’t acknowledge it and throws. Those are things to be concerned about. When you talk about handling, it’s important to remember how well he handles things, especially pressure. There’s not a lot that I’m really confident about that we’re handling.”
Both Maye and presumed top overall pick Caleb Williams will not pitch at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week.
Hoge was also wary of May’s accuracy.
“He’s completely inconsistent when it comes to throwing the football,” Hoge continued.
“That’s a big concern. Can you button those up? Can you get a little better? Here’s what I’ve learned from playing in this league, coaching in this league and studying this league for 40 years. My final belief is, just don’t fix it. In fact, it gets even bigger when you go to the National Football League.
“Then you become more unstable, and it shows in every throw: short, medium, long.”
This past season, Maye completed 63.3 percent of his passes and threw for 8.5 yards per attempt.
Hoge acknowledged Maye’s big-play ability, but continued to criticize his downside risk.
“Now he will do enough to surprise you,” admitted Hoge.
“This is what I’ve always felt was the problem. You say, ‘I’ll fix it.’ I’ll make you smarter. I’ll tell you more precisely. ” People get fired when they do that.
“There’s too much going on that I can’t give him a first-round grade. I’m not going to take him in the first round and if I do, that’s how much I’ll be there as a coach or GM. I would be very worried.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that Maye is being coached by former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers.
