Merril Hoge Not Impressed With Drake Maye: ‘The Kind Of Player That Will Get You Fired’
The 2024 NFL Draft class is packed with talented quarterbacks. But according to Merril Hoge, there's one QB whom general managers should avoid at all costs: Drake Maye.
In an interview with WCCO's Henry Lake, the former NFL fullback turned analyst criticized Maye for a lack of accuracy and mental processing. He said whoever drafts the North Carolina product could likely lose their jobs.
"Drake Maye is the kind of player that will get you fired," Hoge said. "Especially if you draft him in the top five or top three, he's going to get you fired."
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Hoge cited Maye's inconsistency as a reason he could fail in the NFL. In 2022, Maye threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 66.2% of his passes. But his numbers dropped to 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 63.6% completion rate last season.
The analyst compared Maye to Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Malik Willis, who was a third-round pick in 2022.
"Willis might be the only guy that I can think of that is as erratic as Maye," Hoge said.
"I studied him for two years. I watched every one of his games last year. His last game against [North Carolina State] was probably the most embarrassing display I’ve seen from a guy who is supposed to be an elite franchise quarterback. He’s erratic. He’s everywhere."
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Hoge also has concerns about Maye’s ability to stay healthy.
"People think his athleticism will translate. But people want him to run, and they will bust him up," Hoge said. "He is not athletic enough. If he doesn’t get down and learn how to do that, he won’t last until Week 10."
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Maye reportedly met with the Patriots, who hold the No. 3 pick in the draft, on Friday. It was the third meeting between Maye and New England. Maye also reportedly met with the Washington Commanders before his UNC pro day.
Regardless of what Merril Hoge thinks, Drake Maye is projected to be an early first-round pick when the draft opens on April 25. His competition includes USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Daniels, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, Washington's Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon's Bo Nix.