CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – NFL scouts descended on Chapel Hill Thursday for the University of North Carolina’s Pro Day. More than a dozen Tar Heels participated in the event, which was headlined by potential top-five pick Drake Maye.
“North Carolina kid through and through and excited to get the chance, one more time at this indoor to show what I’m about,” Maye said after firing off 70 passes for one final time in Chapel Hill.
There are plenty of eyes on the 21-year-old quarterback, who’s projected to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in this year’s draft.
“I thought I threw well. I thought I was spinning it great. A few I wish I had back, always, when you have 70 throws, you’re gonna miss a few,” Maye said.
The New England Patriots, who have the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft, had a heavy presence at Thursday’s Pro Day, including newly-named head coach Jerod Mayo.
“He’s just been awesome, for such a historic program and team in history up there in New England. So just getting a chance to kinda get to know them, know what they’re about and kinda their champion mindset and getting back to the glory days has been cool,” said Maye.
Coming off a disappointing season in Foxboro, the Patriots could be eager to select the UNC star if the Bears and Commanders choose to pass on him.
Despite all the speculation, Maye says he’s just focused on football, “Just focus on my craft, and whoever chooses me, I think they’re going to be happy and just from there, work from there.”
Maye joined over a dozen of his Tar Heel teammates trying to impress scouts from all 32 NFL teams. One of his favorite targets, receiver Tez Walker, is also hoping to hear his name called.
“I think I did real well, really impressed with my performance, getting in and out of breaks smoothly, catching the ball naturally, things like that,” he said about his Pro Day performance.
After months of uncertainty this past season on whether he’d be able to suit up in Carolina blue, Walker is excited about this opportunity, “Last year I was in a position where I didn’t know if I was going to be able to play that year or not. Being here in front of hundreds of scouts, so feel really good about being in this spot.”
Those participating in Pro Day will be hoping to know their NFL futures in the next month. The NFL Draft starts on April 25.