The comparison between the backup quarterback Mason Rudolph for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the standout quarterback Drake Maye for the University of North Carolina, who many believe will go no lower than third overall in the draft, was made by Kurt Benkert.
NFL Analyst Draws Drake Maye & Mason Rudolph’s “Arm Talent Comparison”
That’s the same Benkert, a five-year NFL veteran who knows a thing or two about playing in the league. However, these were the remarks Benkert wrote about Maye on X, the platform that was once known as Twitter.
It’s not bad to be compared to Mason Rudolph, the quarterback who dominated Oklahoma State for four seasons until the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him with the 76th overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft. Rudolph was an incredible college quarterback.
Former #NFL QB Kurt Benkert on Drake Maye:
“He's a more athletic Mason Rudolph with less arm talent (and a lot less accuracy).” pic.twitter.com/hluiQsh3Q1
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 27, 2024
Likened to Rudolph in the NFL prospect, though? That’s a bit harsh considering the fact that he’s only played in 21 games since being drafted.
“Just finished my Drake Maye review. He’s a more athletic Mason Rudolph with less arm Talent (and a lot less accuracy).”
To start, Maye stands at 6’4″, 229 pounds. Rudolph is taller at 6’5″, 236 pounds. While Maye appears to be more mobile in his UNC film, Benkert doesn’t believe Maye comes with the “athletic upside” that the Tar Heel has been labeled with.
“He has a lot of backyard football in his game but doesn’t have the athletic upside that I think it requires to live in that world as often as he does,” Benkert said.
Comparing Drake Maye to Mason Rudolph pic.twitter.com/e22o5ZWFC6
— brandon (@DrakeMayeMVP) February 26, 2024
“He’s super raw with his footwork and pocket presence. His ball placement needs serious improvement. Defensive recognition struggles a bit (but I don’t know what he’s being coached to do so it can’t be all on him). However – dude will stand in there and take a hit while delivering across the middle. He’s a 3rd down threat as a runner which is a checked box in the NFL.
All in all, I see the potential upside, but he’s got a ways to go to reach it. He also needs to be in a good situation with a good coach & probably a quarterback in front of him to mentor him to get him caught up to speed.”
Drake Maye completed 269 of 425 passes for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his last season at UNC.
Mason Rudolph x Drake Maye 🏈 pic.twitter.com/12eZBTvUwK
— Pickens Pigeons⚡️ (@acalds9) February 26, 2024
In contrast, Mason Rudolph joined the NFL in 2018. He finished 3-0 in his first season as the Steelers’ starter, completing 55 of 74 passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Is that a quarterback that should be selected in the top five? Of course not, and this kind of scouting report would be extremely concerning if you were an executive with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, or Arizona Cardinals.
Though Benkert isn’t a professional scout, it should be noted that he has some experience as an NFL quarterback.
I can’t believe he said Drake Maye has less arm talent than Mason Rudolph. Hoping the commanders do not pass on him at 2. Guy is going to be so legit when his footwork/mechanics are fixed in the pros. https://t.co/lGjFVte8h5 pic.twitter.com/LTqr1Y14kG
— ChaosNanarchy (@ChaosNanarchy24) February 26, 2024
What is so special about Drake Maye?
The quintessential quarterback prospect is Drake Maye. He possesses all the qualities you seek for in a franchise quarterback: size, quickness, and arm strength. The foundation of Maye’s game is his arm skill.
Is Drake Mayes family wealthy?
The Maye family has a long history of success and accomplishment in sports. Before pursuing coaching and business ventures, Mark Maye, his father, gained notoriety in the NFL as a safety for the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs. It is believed that Mark Maye is worth $5 million.
Notice the release (arm talent) difference pic.twitter.com/Qteb8HKk1k
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) February 26, 2024
Is Drake Maye a top pick?
Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of North Carolina are regarded by many draft analysts as the two best prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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