North Carolina Win Big : RJ Davis Epic Tar Heels Commitment Revealed!
In order for Tar Heels who are eligible for the draft to demonstrate their skills in front of NFL scouts and executives, UNC hosted its 2024 Pro Day on Thursday. The event featured 16 other North Carolina athletes in addition to Drake Maye, Devontez “Tez” Walker, and Cedric Gray.
Testing, which comprised the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle, and 3-cone drill, kicked off the athletic combine. Scouts were able to observe players in action after the testing with position-specific exercises, including 60 pre-planned plays in which Maye threw to Walker and other targets.
The following are some thoughts and observations regarding the three best prospects at UNC:
The 6-foot-4-inch quarterback is projected to go third overall in the 2024 NFL mock draft, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent fake selection. Maye will start his professional career as a New England Patriot if the prediction comes true. Some media sources, however, predict that Maye will be selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round overall, with Tar Heel quarterback Jayden Daniels and LSU quarterback Maye tied for first place.
Whatever the situation, Maye hasn’t been worried about possible playing locations. He informed reporters that despite all of the pre-draft excitement, he has remained composed by avoiding social media.
Maye remarked, “For me, faith is big.” “I believe that worrying about all the possible outcomes can always lead you down a dark, deep hole — only I’m simply focused on honing my skill, so I’ll let God handle it and hope that whoever chooses me will be happy.
Maye demonstrated his throwing prowess in a 30-minute passing drill on Thursday. Compared to normal pro day routines, the script featured a more dynamic exercise with throws that followed roll-outs, pressure simulation, and the occasional throw off his back foot.
Maye dispersed the ball equally over the field as well. He used a variety of routes from other former Tar Heels, such as tight end Beau Corrales, with long balls to Walker. During the last fifteen or so passes, the quarterback started from the 10-yard line and demonstrated his red zone passing skills.
Maye tried to finish every throw, but the playcaller acknowledged he wasn’t always flawless. Maye would repeat the exercise to correct himself if he would overthrow or place a ball that was out of reach.
Walker described him as “one of the most competitive dudes I’ve ever been around.” “[He] dislikes making mistakes. You want a quarterback that is meticulous, and that’s what he is.
Other than the three Despite three or four errors, Maye was pleased with the effort he gave in front of the 32 NFL teams that were represented in UNC’s indoor practice area.
Maye remarked, “That was my first time getting to show some things in front of these teams.” “I wanted to come out here and rip it around and I felt like I did that because I haven’t done anything at the combine.”
Walker, who is predicted to be selected in the second round of the NFL draft, is a raw and gifted pass catcher with a lot of potential because to his incredible athleticism. At the NFL combine, the wide receiver ran the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time among all wide receivers, clocking in at 4.36 seconds. Walker possesses the athleticism to produce some spectacular plays at the next level when combined with his 40.5-inch vertical jump. Walker is from North Carolina.
Walker demonstrated his ability to spread the field with many long-ball targets during Maye’s throwing drill at UNC’s pro day. Additionally, he used a variety of routes to give scouts varying perspectives during the training.
“I desired that [scouts] concentrate on quick routes and pay attention to [how] I can easily navigate the route tree and exit such breaks,” Walker remarked. “Those short-to short-intermediate routes and those speed cuts demonstrate that I’m more than just a one-trick pony.”
Walker and Maye have discussed their wishful thoughts of being picked by the same team, despite the likelihood being extremely unlikely. Maye was disappointed that they did not get enough time on the field together last season because Walker struggled with eligibility for a part of it.
