Drake Maye 'Really Impressed' With Falcons After Scouting Combine Meeting
A new era, a new coach, and a new quarterback? That's how the Atlanta Falcons hope the offseason will play out when all is said and done.
Now, how they acquire that new quarterback is unknown. They're already being linked with upcoming free agent Kirk Cousins and current Chicago Bears signal-caller Justin Fields. Yet, even with the public links to veteran quarterbacks, they aren't shying away from doing their due diligence in the NFL Draft.
They are evaluating the quarterback class and have even held meetings with many top options while at the NFL Scouting Combine, including UNC's Drake Maye.
"The Falcons, shoot, Atlanta I was really impressed," Maye said on Friday when asked about his meeting with the Falcons. "Actually the first team I met with here at the combine and the familiarity with former Tar Heel and current QB coach T.J. Yates made it really fun! Love the new regime with Coach Morris and it was an enjoyable visit."
Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (QB04) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The now-former Tarheel has been widely viewed as "QB2," only behind USC's Caleb Williams, and certainly has the attention of the Falcons thus far. Before the start of the Combine, Maye was reportedly the "apple" of the Falcons' "eye."
However, if the Falcons are serious about pursuing Maye, they'd likely have to trade up to get him. If things play out as expected in the draft order, then four teams above Atlanta could also take a quarterback.
If Williams goes first, as nearly is the consensus prediction, the Falcons may have to find a way to trade up into the top-three picks for a shot at selecting Maye. Which means they'd be doing business with either the Washington Commanders at No. 2 or the New England Patriots at No. 3 overall.
After starting his college career as the backup to now Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, Maye forged his legacy with the Tarheels. In just two seasons as the starter, Maye threw for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
As the third day of the Combine is underway, which will see running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks take the field for workouts, Maye will be like the Falcons, watching from the sideline after opting not to participate in the on-field work.
