As the NFL Draft approaches, the landscape of top prospects continues to shift, leaving analysts and fans on edge as they anticipate where coveted players will land.
One such prospect facing fluctuating draft stock is North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
Once heralded as the No. 2 signal caller in the draft class behind USC"s Caleb Williams, Maye has recently seen his standing slip in mock drafts, with LSU"s Jayden Daniels and Michigan"s J.J. McCarthy leapfrogging him in some projections.
Concerns over Maye"s readiness for immediate NFL action have emerged, with suggestions that he might benefit from a developmental path akin to that of Jordan Love.
Despite these doubts, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck offers a contrasting perspective on Maye"s potential.
Speaking on WEEI"s “Gresh and Fauria," Hasselbeck expressed unwavering confidence in Maye"s abilities, comparing him favorably to past draft prospects.
“I think he’s as good of a prospect as I have evaluated in this entire time," Hasselbeck asserted. “So, you know, from the Matthew Stafford’s to the Matt Ryan, to you name ’em over that stretch — Andrew Luck … I think that he’s that good of a prospect."
Tim Hasselbeck on Drake Maye (via @GreshFauriaWEEI):
"[I've] been at ESPN for 15 years evaluating quarterbacks as they come out for the draft. I think he's as good of a prospect as I have evaluated in this entire time.
So, you know, from the Matthew Stafford's to the Matt…
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) March 21, 2024
Hasselbeck"s assessment underscores Maye"s impressive skill set, which includes a strong arm, sound mechanics, and an ability to excel under pressure.
Despite a slight dip in performance during the 2023 season, where Maye completed 63.3% of his passes for 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions, Hasselbeck remains bullish on his potential.
“I think when people go through the process with Drake Maye, there is almost nothing to not like about him," Hasselbeck remarked. “I think he’s going to be a better pro than college player. I think athletically, physically, mentally — like athletically, he’s going to be on par with the best."
As the debate over Maye"s draft stock rages on, Hasselbeck"s resounding endorsement serves as a reminder of the complexity inherent in evaluating NFL prospects and the potential for surprises come draft day.
