In an article that was released on Friday morning, ESPN NFL Draft expert Matt Miller described how North Carolina Tar Heels signal-caller Drake Maye and Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy have practically moved up in the rankings of the prospects as April approaches.
“One of the most interesting nuggets I’ve picked up over the past two weeks is that multiple NFL teams have McCarthy ranked ahead of North Carolina’s Drake Maye,” Miller said. “A senior assessor I spoke with this week stated that McCarthy scored better for them than Maye due to his winning track record, potential as a mobile quarterback, and poise under duress. Last season, McCarthy performed admirably under duress, completing an FBS-high 68% of his passes and averaging 10 yards per attempt (second-best).
Dan Orlovsky, an ESPN NFL analyst and former quarterback, has caused controversy on multiple occasions by stating that he believes Daniels—not Williams—is the best quarterback prospect in this draft class. Some have argued that Maye should sit out his rookie season and focus on developing his footwork and other areas of his game.
Greg Dudek of NESN reports that Orlovsky complimented Maye on Thursday’s ESPN “NFL Live” show following the North Carolina product’s impressive performance during a pro day practice.
“What I was most interested in finding out was how his feet will seem. When it came to Maye’s throwing rhythm alone, rather than his innate skill and athleticism, they appeared to have significantly improved, Orlovsky remarked.
After Williams and Daniels, Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports are among those who continue to see Maye as the third quarterback selected on April 25 through mock drafts.
Although Wilson and Trapasso don’t seem to be getting into the McCarthy hype, Adam Peters, the new general manager of the Commanders, might have strong feelings about the national champion in about a month.