Drake Maye explains his mindset entering NFL Draft Combine

On Tuesday, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye would not be throwing at this year’s NFL Combine. But that doesn’t mean one of the top prospects still won’t have a busy in Indianapolis and beyond ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in April.

Maye recently joined ESPN insider Adam Schefter on ‘The Adam Schefter Podcast’ leading up to the combine. With Maye revealing what his mindset is as he prepares for a vigorous interview and evaluation process for the NFL Scouting Combine.

“Just be myself, I think that’s the big thing,” Maye said. “I’m excited for it, shoot, you dream your whole life of playing in the NFL and getting this opportunity so just go enjoy it.”

“I think the biggest thing for me is like I said, be myself and just be honest, and in the interview process, if they don’t like me, that’s just part of it. Should draft someone else,” Maye added getting a laugh out of Schefter.

Maye is regarded by the majority of evaluators as one of the three best quarterbacks heading into the NFL Draft with a high possibility of being selected with one of the top three picks in the first round.

On the field he dazzled in his two seasons as a starter for the Tar Heels, presenting ideal size at the position standing at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds with the ability to get it done with his arm and legs as an outstanding dual-threat quarterback at the college level.

He threw for 7,929 yards and 62 touchdowns along with 1,147 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground as a two-year starter for North Carolina. But Maye is more focused on his intangibles being on display ahead of the combine as he’ll save his physical showcase for Pro Day.

“But I think one of the best things I do is try to create relationships and get along with a lot of different people so just try to use that to my advantage and also just show my skillset off the field not just on,” Maye explained. “I think kind of the film speaks for itself in this process for any player going into the draft, so just letting them get to know me and be authentic through it. But other than that, like I said, a big part of it is being in uncomfortable situations and being able to handle that.”

It’ll definitely be interesting for scouts and evaluators to learn more about Maye the person versus Maye the player leading up to the NFL Draft, which kicks off on April 25 in Detroit.