Drake Maye won't throw at 2024 NFL Combine, training for NFL Draft with Philip Rivers
Posted February 27, 2024 7:49 p.m. EST
Updated February 27, 2024 8:08 p.m. EST
North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye is training in Mobile, Alabama, ahead of this week’s NFL Combine.
On “The Adam Schefter Podcast,” Maye said he is training for the 2024 NFL Draft with eight-time Pro Bowler and former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers.
“He’s one of the best,” Maye said of Rivers. “He reminds me of my brothers. [He] loves to compete.
“He’s out there, we’re throwing six step outs, a 10-yard drill throwing into the net, and shoot he retired two or three years ago, but he still won the competition. So, he’s just a competitor. Not only that, he’s just one of the guys. Gets along with people so well and knows the game.”
On Tuesday, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported that Maye does not plan to throw Saturday at the NFL Combine, citing an unnamed source. Anderson reports that Maye will attend Saturday’s event for physicals and interviews.
In Mobile, Alabama, Maye has also been training with former Oregon and Auburn quarterback Bo Nix.
Maye said he’s trying to learn from Rivers, who played in the NFL from 2004-2020.
“I just pick his brain on how he stayed healthy,” Maye said. “He’s a big dude like me, so just trying to kind of find ways to relate to him.”
Maye acknowledged how he and Rivers have ACC ties for rival schools.
“I know he went to the wrong school in the ACC,” Maye joked.
Drake Maye on his relationship with former UNC teammate Sam Howell
The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft as of Wednesday. Many people expect USC quarterback Caleb Williams to be the first overall pick.
The Washington Commanders hold the second pick.
Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels are expected to compete for the second overall pick.
The Commanders have Maye’s college teammate, Sam Howell, as their starting quarterback. Maye spoke with Schefter about the possibility of getting selected by Washington.
“[He’s] one of my best friends,” Maye said. “Sam has had a big impact on me learning, going in there my freshman year and [it] being his last year and having such great success.”
The Commanders selected Howell with the 144th pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
If the Commanders selected Maye, it’s likely he would start as rookie over Howell.
“I think it’s one of those things where it’s not ideal, but at the same time, it’s part of a business,” Maye said. “We’ve done it in college together, and shoot, I think the best thing [is] we will help each other [regardless] of how the scenario goes.
“He was one of my best friends. There’s going to be no hard feelings. It’s part of it, and being in there as two NFL quarterbacks, being in the same room, it’s not too bad of a problem. There [are] a lot bigger problems out there in the world than having to deal with that.”
How Drake Maye is preparing for the NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Combine starts Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Quarterbacks are scheduled to work out on Saturday.
The New York Post reported that Maye has also gotten coaching and advice from Dave Morris, who was Eli Manning’s backup quarterback at Ole Miss. Earlier this offseason, Maye said he was working with Manning on Zoom to talk football.
Maye said he’s gotten to meet people who are well established in the NFL. He said he spoke with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and asked him about his journey. He also mentioned Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
“I’m a big fan of Coach Tomlin and the Steelers,” Maye said. “I’ve always been a fan of Coach Tomlin, so I have some guys that I’ve gotten to know that have played for him, and they just love him.”
Maye also mentioned Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
“[I] picked his brain about how he’s been so successful,” Maye said.
