Wanna watch people turn as red as a fire truck? Criticize Drake Maye or say that JJ McCarthy is capable of being drafted at the number three spot. Back in January, I thought Maye wasn't accurate or cerebral enough and was a 'Boom or Bust' prospect. Later, I compiled a list of pros and cons from every media scouting report I could find, listing all the pros and cons of over 20 quarterback draft prospects for the current draft.
The Patriots' acting GM, offensive coordinator, and head coach all spoke about what they want in a quarterback. Mayo said he looks for decision-making, competitiveness, and toughness. Wolf looks for winning, leadership, and composure. Van Pelt looks for decision-making, leadership, and accuracy. So, who, according to the pros and cons, fits that?
The two quarterbacks came from different situations, and the media knows that. Let's take a look at what they said about Maye and McCarthy, according to the media and see who wins.
Drake Maye
QB North Carolina R-Soph
6'4" 223 LBS
Pros:
-Prototype build
-Athletism
-Escape artist
-Velocity
-Arm strength
-Throws off platform
-Throwing motions
-Accuracy
-Pocket play
-Awareness
-Processor
-Decision making
-IQ
-Field vision
-Nerves
Cons:
- Making adjustments after the snap
- Inconsistent throwing mechanics/stances
- Inconsistent footwork
- Poor decision making
- Hesitates to make decisions
- Tends to hold onto the ball
- Risk taker
- Average pocket presence
- Poor throws under pressure
- Unnecessarily puts the ball in harm's way
- Throwing between coverages/defenders
- Forces throws
- Throws with too much velocity
- Bubble thrower
- Inconsistent accuracy, misses open targets
- Sails sideline throws
- Accuracy declines when play breaks down
- Goes with the first read too often
- Too many paper cuts (quick passes)
- Doesn't lead receivers
- Tucking the ball while running
- Doesn't slide when should
- Average mobility
- Cerebral escape artist
- Not a runner by design
J.J. McCarthy
QB Michigan Jr
6'2" 219 LBS
Pros:
-Velocity
-Throwing motion
-Footwork
-Mechanics
-Athletism
-Extends plays
-Toughness
-Pocket presence
-Accuracy
-Leads pass catchers
-Looks off defenders
-Processor
-Reads
-Nerves
Cons:
-Build
-Struggles under pressure
-Inconsistent pocket awareness
-Risk taker, forces throws
-Field vision
-Decision making
-Inconsistent accuracy
-Late trigger puller, especially on deep balls
-Inconsistent throwing outside numbers
-Lacks touch
-Relies on athletism
-Game manager
-Developmental
McCarthy has been called a game manager at worst, meaning he can effectively manage a game and lead a team to victory by avoiding mistakes. He's tough, and one of the criticisms against him is that he only knows how to win, so he didn't have a lot of game footage to showcase. Another knock on him is that he never had to play from behind. However, McCarthy has consistently shown his ability to convert third downs when needed.
On the other hand, Maye had a tough 2024 season. Reports on him ended up seeing his pros and cons, canceling each other out. Unlike McCarthy, who is criticized for being a game manager at his worst, Maye is seen as an inconsistent risk taker, which could be a potential bust.
While I personally consider Daniels and Nix as better passers than both quarterbacks, McCarthy has recently moved ahead of Penix for me, becoming the third-best quarterback prospect for the Patriots. Based on what the Patriots have said they look for in a quarterback, McCarthy aligns more with their criteria than Maye does.
If Maye is selected, I'll accept it, but I understand the risks involved. He'll have to prove himself to remove the bust label. On the other hand, even at his worst, McCarthy seems to offer what we saw from Mac Jones in 2021. I'll hold him to that expectation until he proves himself.
I listen to people talk about Maye and it's like someone going to a casino and betting three paychecks on a hand of poker, being advised that they cannot make rent if they lose, and them being like 'yeah, but if I win I can pay rent for the year and that's worth risking homelessness.' Maye is not a safe pick even though he's a consensus top three prospect, so it's gonna take balls and a lot of faith to select him. Does Wolf have that kind of confidence, will the Krafts force his hand, or will he pass on Maye when the time comes? Not everyone gets as lucky as rhe Chargers did with Herbert, boom or bust prospects tend to be busts more than not.
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