Drake Maye explains decision not to work out at NFL Combine

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is projected as a probable first-round NFL Draft pick, but the gunslinger opted not to participate in drills at the NFL Combine this week.

He will instead wait for his Pro Day, but there are benefits Maye said he can get from being at the NFL Combine anyway.

“I think the big thing is just getting in front of these teams, kind of let them know who I am, what I’m about,” Drake Maye told the NFL Network’s Stacey Dales. “Watch these guys and kind of do it all at Pro Day at the end of March, get ready for that.”

The talent for the North Carolina quarterback is obvious. From the moment he took over for the Tar Heels as a redshirt freshman he was one of the most electric players in college.

Maye threw for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns in the last two years, while throwing only 16 interceptions. He also ran for 1,147 yards and 16 scores.

But what he wants teams to take away from the Combine isn’t necessarily his athleticism or his productivity at the college level.

“Just be myself, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Drake Maye said. “I don’t think be somebody I’m not. I think if they like me they like me, if they don’t they’ll draft somebody else. So try to be myself in there and go in there with confidence.”

What will Maye provide an NFL team?

“Just a winner. I think I can do it all,” he said. “I can play inside the pocket, play outside the pocket and just connect with the guys is a big thing, just be one of the guys.”

Maye knows there will be some work to do once he begins his NFL journey. It’s back to the bottom of the pecking order, needing to work your way up.

He knows there are countless things that will need attention.

“I think transitioning my game to the NFL, whether it’s the offensive stuff, kind of new terminology or even just footwork, playing under center a little bit,” Drake Maye said. “But I think we were one of the most explosive offenses in the country and I think a lot of my stuff translates in the NFL.

“Just embrace it, just enjoy the process. I’m excited to come to a new city and ready for a fanbase and ready to play on Sundays.”