Former NFL player Merril Hoge critiques Drake Maye as 'marginal at best'

Former Steelers star Merril Hoge criticizes NFL Draft prospect Drake Maye, doubts his ability to succeed in the NFL. Top QB prospects mentioned.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers standout Merril Hoge did not hold back in his criticism of NFL Draft prospect Drake Maye. Hoge expressed doubts about Maye's ability to succeed at a high level in the NFL, citing his inconsistent play at North Carolina as a significant concern. Despite projections placing Maye in the top ten picks, Hoge believes he is only marginally talented and lacks the necessary skills to excel in the league.

Hoge highlighted Maye's struggles with accuracy and processing speed as major red flags that could hinder his success in the NFL. He emphasized that while some aspects of a player's game can be improved with coaching, Maye's fundamental issues may be too significant to overcome. Hoge also dismissed comparisons between Maye and Josh Allen, asserting that Maye falls far short of the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback's caliber.

The New England Patriots, who hold the third overall pick in the draft, have shown interest in Maye, hosting him for a pre-draft visit and attending his pro day. However, Hoge cautioned teams against using a high draft pick on Maye, warning that he could be a liability that ultimately costs front office personnel their jobs. Despite being a top prospect, Maye faces skepticism from Hoge and others in the football community.

In addition to Maye, other notable quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft include Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix. Williams is expected to be the first player selected, but Hoge is also critical of his potential, suggesting he lacks the unique qualities of elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. With the draft set to begin, the football world eagerly awaits to see where these quarterbacks will land and how their careers will unfold in the NFL.