Merrill Hoge is warning NFL coaches and general managers aiming for a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft: “If you draft Drake Maye, be prepared to be on the unemployment line.”
Maye is expected to be taken with a top-three pick later this month, with the No. 2 pick likely going to the Commanders or the Patriots right behind them.
“Drake Maye is the kind of player who would fire you.” Hoge said on WCCO Radio.. “Especially if you draft him in the top five or top three, he’s going to fire you.”
USC’s Caleb Williams is expected to be drafted No. 1, while Maye and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jaden Daniels of LSU are expected to be taken No. 2 and No. 3. However, it is unclear who will be named first.
Hoge compared Maye to Titans quarterback Malik Willis, a 2022 third-round pick who is second only to Will Reavis in Tennessee’s depth.
“Willis might be the only guy I can think of who is as unstable as Maye,” said the running back who played eight seasons with the Steelers and Bears and was an ESPN analyst from 1996 to 2017. Hoge said.
“I studied him for two years. I watched all his games last year. His last game [North Carolina State] It was probably the most embarrassing behavior I’ve seen from a guy who is supposed to be an elite franchise quarterback. he is unstable He is everywhere. ”
In 12 games in 2023, Maye threw for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
That’s a step back from 2022, when North Carolina had far more talent around him, and he threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the Tar Heels to an ACC Championship Game appearance. However, they lost to Clemson there.
In both of the past two seasons, North Carolina stumbled at the end.
In 2022, they were 9-1 before losing their last four games. They went 6-0 last season but lost five of their last seven games.
May It is said that they met On Friday, he will meet directly with the Patriots, who have the No. 3 pick in the draft.
This was Maye’s third meeting with New England.Mei too It is said that they met against the Washington Commanders before UNC Pro Day.
The first round of the NFL Draft will take place on April 25th.
