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UNC QB Drake Maye is expected to be selected on the opening night of the upcoming NFL Draft. The passer left Chapel Hill after just three seasons following an accomplished college career.
That includes being named the ACC’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. Considered by most to be third-rated player at his position, the possibility of being selected within the top five picks is high.
Not exactly the range most teams are looking to use a pick on a “project.”
But that’s exactly what Chris Simms believes Drake Maye is.
He released his QB rankings ahead of April’s draft on social media, listing the Tar Heel signal caller at No. 6.
In those standings, Simms had four different tiers – A class of their own, A No. 1 in other years, A franchise starting QB, and A talented project.
Maye fell to the lowest rung.
Here’s my Top 6 QBs in this year’s Draft. These rankings are based on film.
Full pod coming soon pic.twitter.com/RvCdgBhBg4— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 6, 2024
Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels topped the list, which is typical of most mock draft boards. Where things differed were in that next class.
Most see Drake Maye as a better prospect than Michael Penix, JJ McCarthy, and Bo Nix.
Simms does not.
Maye, who threw for 7,900 yards and 62 touchdowns over his last two seasons, took offense to the rankings. He posted his reply online.
— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2_) March 6, 2024
There’s a good chance the top three picks could go to signal callers in the upcoming selection process as QB-needy teams try to find their franchise starter.
If it were up to Chris Simms, Drake Maye probably wouldn’t be included.