Former Packers QB Reveals a Patrick Mahomes Trait That Could Transform Drake Maye’s Game

In the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Giants are pondering a significant move: trading up to secure a top quarterback. Among the quarterbacks on their radar is North Carolina’s Drake Maye, who has captured the attention of the Giants’ decision-makers.

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert recently shared valuable insights that could potentially transform Maye’s game. In an interview on the “Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams“, Benkert discussed a trait in Patrick Mahomes‘ gameplay that he believes could greatly benefit Maye’s development.

Benkert highlights Mahomes’ influence and Maye’s potential

As per the Packers QB, “You look at even guys like Mahomes, like Mahomes thrived at the end of the year because he started taking what the defense gave”. He noted Mahomes’ efficiency in giving his receivers time to catch up and his knack for making plays in crunch time.

However, Benkert also discussed Mahomes’ mid-season struggles, where he felt the need to overcompensate by over-analyzing his game. This led to interceptions and inconsistent performances. But Mahomes quickly returned to his strengths of efficient play execution and situational awareness, resulting in improved performance towards the end of the season.

Drawing parallels to Maye’s situation, Benkert suggested, “here you watch an Alex Smith for a year and you see how they do it how do they operate like guys that don’t have maybe the most talent in the world but they’re really good on first.” Benkert thinks Maye can be an effective player on the field, stating, “Drake Maye needs to add that efficiency into his game, and once he does, then sky’s the limit” .

However, Maye’s future is still uncertain as the Giants are still in the decision-making process.

Giants’ potential trade-up

As per an NFL personnel executive, “I think we’re at the point where people are just over-analyzing and forgetting all the reasons why Maye is one of the two best quarterbacks in this draft, He’s a big kid [6-foot-4, 223] with a big arm who can run.”

But there are some challenges. It might be tough to convince the Patriots to trade their pick, and it could cost a lot for the Giants to move up. Plus, other teams like the Minnesota Vikings might also want to trade up for a quarterback.

“It’s not clear if New York would be willing to do the same for LSU’s Jayden Daniels or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy,” said an NFL insider as per Fox Sports. If Maye doesn’t get picked early, the Giants might have a better chance to make a trade with teams like the Arizona Cardinals or the Los Angeles Chargers.

In the end, it all comes down to what the Giants’ general manager, Joe Schoen, and coach Brian Daboll think. 

Read more: “Giants Clearly Value Saquon Barkley”: NFL Insider Predicts RB’s Stay in New York Amidst Free Agency Conundrum