The 2024 NFL Combine makes NFL Draft prospects the sole focus of the football world when teams, scouts, media, and fans gather in Indianapolis for the annual showcase.
While hidden gems always emerge, everyone is excited to view this year’s top talent, including former North Carolina QB Drake Maye. However, with numerous opt-outs in recent seasons, will he be throwing at the 2024 NFL Combine?
Is Drake Maye Participating in Drills at the 2024 NFL Combine?
Maye has emerged as one of the most talented prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft and is consistently selected in the top five of NFL mock drafts. Many were hoping to see him put on a show at the 2024 NFL Combine, but reports have emerged that the former Tar Heel QB is opting out of on-field drills.
CBS Insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday, Feb. 27, that Maye won’t be competing in on-field activities at the 2024 NFL Combine and instead will focus on meetings and interviews.
“UNC QB Drake Maye is solely planning to do ‘just physicals and interviews’ at the NFL Scouting Combine here in Indianapolis, per source,” Anderson shared.
Maye becomes the third quarterback to opt out of throwing in Lucas Oil Field at the 2024 event after Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels had already chosen not to participate in drills.
Given the stakes, the announcement isn’t overly surprising.
Maye is widely expected to be a top-three pick in April’s draft, and there’s more to lose than gain in the former North Carolina QB throwing in Indianapolis.
Having already proven his ability in games on Chapel Hill, Maye has nothing left to verify to NFL teams. His strong arm, accuracy, and explosive athleticism have all been displayed over the last two seasons Maye has started for the Tar Heels.
Maye played in 30 games in college, completing 618 of his 952 passes for 8,018 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. The sample size is already big enough that an NFL Combine performance isn’t going to alter his stock drastically.
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With a further 1,209 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, Maye’s athleticism has already been certified. Plus, for NFL teams, quarterbacks opting out of on-field activities at the Combine isn’t a deal breaker. Many top prospects have opted out of drills in recent seasons and have gone on to be top selections.
For example, in 2023, Bryce Young opted out of throwing at the NFL Combine and was still selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers.
The most important aspect of the Combine for Maye is the meetings and interviews where teams will look to test his mental makeup, intelligence, and leadership qualities.
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