North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye is a candidate to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye is an elite quarterback prospect who displayed his electric dual-threat skill set throughout the 2023 college football season. Maye accounted for 4,057 total yards of offense and 33 touchdowns while cementing himself as a top-three selection.
Maye is today’s quarterback. He’s an athletic off-script creator with the ability to test tight throwing windows. In most draft classes, Maye would be the unquestioned No. 1 overall pick. In this special quarterback class, he's in contention with Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams.
With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots for Maye in the 2024 NFL Draft.
CHICAGO BEARS
I expect the Bears to move on from Justin Fields this offseason. The Bears are making decisions that indicate they're planning to reset the quarterback clock, such as replacing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy with Shane Waldron. If Fields is traded before April, and I expect him to be, Ryan Poles' plan to draft a quarterback would become undeniably evident.
While Williams is the overwhelming favorite, Maye shouldn't be ruled out as a possibility in January. Poles and his scouting staff will leave no stone unturned throughout the pre-draft process as they work to identify a potential franchise quarterback. Maye is an excellent fit to operate Waldron’s offense, which is known to be adaptable. It wouldn't be stunning if Maye endeared himself to the Bears' front-office brass.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders are the most likely landing spot for Maye. The Josh Harris-led ownership group did a terrific job appointing Adam Peters as general manager. Peters was groomed as John Lynch's right-hand man with the San Francisco 49ers, who have become annual Super Bowl contenders under their leadership.
Peters is now tasked with hiring a head coach. After being led by the defensive-minded Ron Rivera over the previous four campaigns, I expect Peters to appoint a young, innovative, offensive-minded coach. The Commanders will then draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection.
Commanders fans should be legitimately excited about their franchise's new direction. Maye would instantly become the most exciting quarterback to don the Burgundy and Gold since Robert Griffin III. Washington could quickly showcase improvement with Maye under center.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo appears to be a blunt, honest leader. When speaking with members of the media following his introduction as Bill Belichick's successor, Mayo acknowledged the importance of drafting a player at a premium position with the No. 3 overall selection. Quarterback is the most premium position in the sport.
Mayo isn't going to tie his tenure to Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe, nor do I expect the Patriots to pursue a veteran starting quarterback in free agency. Owning the third overall pick places the Patriots in prime position to draft Williams, Maye, or Daniels. If draft weekend welcomes a mini-surprise that sees Maye slide to No. 3, whoever the next Patriots general manager is should sprint to the podium.
