Drake Maye throwing session highlights North Carolina Pro Day
Posted March 29, 2024 4:25 a.m. EDT
It was standing room only at the Bill Koman Indoor Practice Facility on UNC's campus Thursday for the program's Pro Day. ACC Network, NFL Network and representatives from all 32 NFL teams were in attendance to watch nearly 20 current and former players workout and try to impress scouts. All eyes were on quarterback Drake Maye, a likely top-three pick in this year's NFL Draft.
"A little bit nervous, but really just kind of excited to be out there and let it rip," Maye said afterward.
After a compilation of standard combine workouts (40-yard dash, broad jump, high jump, etc.) Maye and the skill players went through a scripted throwing session of 60 to 70 plays, all meant to showcase Maye and the players unique abilities.
"I thought I threw well, I thought I was spinning it great, a few I wish I would have had back, always, when you have 70 throws, you're going to miss a few," Maye said.
He started the workout with a few throws that went a little high, but settled into rhythm, impressing with his ability to throw deep down the field as well as off-platform.
"That's where I'm best, I don't just stand back there like a statue and let it rip, I think there's time and places for that, but also, there's stuff I can show on the move," Maye said.
There were a few high-ranking personnel from NFL teams picking near the top of the draft present on Thursday, including new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Maye complimented both teams, but ultimately is just down for the ride, wherever the NFL Draft may take him.
"I think the Lord's got it," Maye said, "you can always get down a dark, deep hole worrying about all the scenarios that can happen, so just let Him handle it, just focus on my craft and whoever chooses me, I think they're going to be happy."
While the assumption is the Chicago Bears will draft University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams No. 1 overall, there's growing debate between who the next quarterback off the board will be. Maye said he watches highlights of players like LSU quarterback and Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, but he's tried to stay off social media the past few months to avoid get wrapped up in the different possibilities.
Tez Walker shows speed, routes
It was also a big day for former transfer wide receiver Tez Walker, who this time last year wasn't even sure if he would be eligible to play for the Tar Heels.
"I'm really impressed with my performance out there, I feel like I showcased a lot of things scouts had questions about," Walker said.
Walker mentioned that during the draft process, teams have asked him to breakdown NFL offenses and coverage, focusing on film study.
"They say a lot of guys comes out of those type of offenses, that spread, tempo offenses, don't usually translate well to the league," Walker said.
He hopes to prove that stereotype wrong. Walker, who had an invite to the NFL Combine, ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. That type of speed could make a major difference for teams at the next level.
"A lot of scouts love how I'm able to stretch the field vertically, winning over the top of defenses, things like that," Walker said.
And of course, Walker had plenty of compliments for Maye, calling him the best quarterback in this draft class, specifying his arm talent, competitiveness and leadership abilities.
The rest of the players participating included:
- Will Barnes
- Gio Biggers
- British Brooks
- Don Chapman
- Chris Collins
- Beau Corrales
- Tomari Fox
- Amari Gainer
- Corey Gaynor
- Cedric Gray
- Dae Dae Hollins
- Ben Kiernan
- Drew Little
- Ed Montilus
- Myles Murphy
- Spencer Rolland
- Emery Simmons
