Ranking top 5 QB draft prospects in 2024: Who will the Commanders take?

2. Drake Maye

When I completed my quarterback evaluations for the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud were very close in terms of film grade. If someone had one ranked over the other, I would have little to no disagreement. I feel the same way this year with Drake Maye and the top signal-caller in the class.

Maye’s last name might sound familiar. His brother, Luke, was a hero, legend, and key contributor to North Carolina’s last National Championship in men’s basketball in 2017. Now, Drake has an opportunity to become a legend himself if he isn’t already.

The former four-star high school recruit won ACC Player of the Year as a redshirt freshman and was either first or second-team All-ACC in his two years as a starter. The production and accolades are there and the film matches a signal-caller with a special skill set mimicking some of the best in the game.

As the Tar Heels' most productive starting quarterback in school history, Maye displayed elite arm talent and the ability to play or throw from any angle or platform. In a flick of his right wrist, the prospect can squeeze passes into tight windows consistently with velocity and zip. 

Maye does an excellent job of managing the pocket and navigating in and out of it when needed. His poise is terrific and displays ample accuracy with the capability to layer his throws to the intermediate and deep portions of the field.

The potential No. 2 pick always keeps his eyes downfield when pressured in or outside of the pocket. He shows very little panic when things get dicey and has come up big in critical in-game situations.

The talent is undeniable. I believe when all is said and done, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters will turn in a card with Maye’s name on it.