Some NFL talent evaluators see similarities in Drake Maye to the quarterback the Giants might draft to replace him.
Some consider this version of the quarterback the Giants probably coveted the most before pivoting to Daniel Jones in the 2019 draft.
Could the 6-foot-4 Maye, a native of Charlotte, N.C., who played college football at Tobacco Road, essentially be Jones 2.0, with North Carolina replacing Duke?
Or will he be comparable to Justin Herbert, as multiple scouts told the Post midway through last season?
The Giants’ general manager at the time, Dave Gettleman, had his eyes on Herbert, but Herbert surprisingly returned to school for one more year and left the Giants to take a shot at Jones.
One scout said, “Drake is more Daniel than Justin.” “His arms aren’t as live as Justin’s, but they can move, so he can move the pocket and make runs that are designed together.”
The Giants drafted Jones with the sixth pick and replaced him with Eli Manning in Week 3 as a rookie.
A year later, the Chargers drafted Herbert with the No. 6 pick after Jones’ Giants passed him with the No. 4 pick, starting him in Week 2 on his way to winning the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. dislikes comparisons because they “never work” and can be interpreted to fit a positive or negative narrative.
The comparisons between Maye and Herbert once heard in NFL circles have died down.
“Not so much in terms of accuracy,” Kuiper told the Post. “That’s the only thing that didn’t work this year. He looks the part of Herbert physically and athletically, but he didn’t play like him. He did some He missed open receivers and missed the mark by catching a few balls that weren’t thrown accurately to maximize his yards after the catch. He didn’t play his best football late in the year.”
The Giants, who again have the No. 6 pick, spoke privately in Chapel Hill, N.C., last week after general manager Joe Schon and head coach Brian Daboll attended his pro day in place of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. It is believed that he trained May. of North Carolina.
It was at least the third time Maye has appeared in front of the Giants’ upper management, including the NFL Scouting Combine and meetings at the team’s East Rutherford facility.
He developed a relationship with Manning through Manning’s former college teammate David Morris, Maye and, ironically, Jones’ quarterback trainer.
“I think it takes a certain type of makeup to be successful as a quarterback in New York,” Giants owner John Mara said recently. “Eli obviously had it. I think Daniel has it. I don’t think he’s the same for everyone.”
However, it would be a mistake to think that Maye’s personality is a carbon copy of Jones, who is publicly guarded but popular with teammate Jones, just because their backgrounds are similar.
“Maye’s energy is great,” said a source familiar with both QBs. “There’s nothing wrong with Daniel’s way of working, but May’s approach is 180 degrees completely opposite.”
If there’s one general manager/head coach combination that won’t be intimidated by Maye’s declining accuracy (a career-low 63.3 percent last season), it’s Shane and Daboll.
They helped the Bills steal Josh Allen at No. 7 in the 2018 draft, when other teams were wary of his 56.2 career completion percentage.
Maye played last season under a new coordinator and behind a woeful offensive line with new receivers, which may be similar to how Allen played with an underwhelming supporting cast at Wyoming.
“Drake has a really strong arm, but he doesn’t have the arm strength that Josh Allen has. Nobody does,” Kiper said. “[Fixing accuracy] It’s all about the footwork and tying it all together…but history tells us that you can improve your arm strength and accuracy when you’re in the league. ”
The Giants could be in a unique situation where they can give Maye time to develop as long as Jones’ recovery from a torn ACL remains on track.
Jones is being paid a fully guaranteed salary of $35.5 million, so the level of commitment to start the season and get through a rough patch is likely to be greater than the Commanders (No. 2 pick), who will be looked after by Marcus Mariota and Jacoby, respectively. It’s different from the Patriots (3rd place). Brisset.
If the Vikings (11th) or Broncos (13th) trade up, Maye is expected to start in Week 1.
And Michigan’s JJ McCarthy, another top-four quarterback prospect in which the Giants have invested significant time, could also benefit from a season spent on the bench.
“Drake has a longer deadline than Herbert. And it was longer this year than in 2022 when he played better,” Kiper said. “At his pro day it looked like he was working on stepping it up…but Drake isn’t ready yet. What’s he going to do in the NFL if he’s struggling against college competition? ?He’s only 21, just like JJ. Even if he plays two full years as a starter, these kids are still very young.”
Maye isn’t quite the player Jones and Herbert have been building up over the years, but he could still represent the future of the Giants.
