I've been talking about this for a while and I think the footwork is more important or a bigger deal. There's such a ripple effect from it. There's a few things that stick out.
A)very bouncy at times. this hurts bc you want to throw from your feet up. you want to firmly planted when you fire.
B)too many heel clicks, feet crossing over. this effects balance, position from you're throwing from.
At times it looks like his feet and hips aren't throwing to where a wr will be but where he is at that exact moment. And these things don't help.
Maye also had to learn how recreate, manipulate a pocket better. He'll find himself in harms way when he doesn't need to be. And can help himself a lot more in terms of throwing lanes, launch points.
I had a lot going on but mentioned this to
@DaBruinz and meant to post a while back but heres a quick breakdown of the ND game. And if anyone knows me or has read my stuff. I don't just look at 1 game. I've watched almost ever snap he's taken in college (A22). Clemson and NC ST weren't much better. I love Maye. He's the only guy I would have taken at 3. I would have traded back if he went 2. I'm beyond excited he's here bc of his potential. Not necessarily who he is now although I love the traits and skill-set he can bring day one. It's always important to know what you're getting. We're getting a potential all-pro but yes he needs some real work and there's nothing wrong with that at all. I've been adamant about his comparison to Allen. Way more than Herbert or Love. It took Allen a few years to get to looking like an alien playing QB. He also had bad footwork, as bad if not worse than Drake. Dealt with processing and pocket management issues as well. There's plenty of comparisons on both sides but that's the one we're hoping for. And if he hits, that's who he'll look like at his peak.
Certainly NOT impossible to overcome. Older prospects have less room to grow for a number of reasons, age is on his side. Another thing that may seem funny but footwork wasn't a "must" in that offense. It definitely wasn't a timing offense. You would hope Maye is farther along bc hes been working with former pros but these aren't insurmountable obstacles. It's ok to talk about in context. I haven't heard anything crazy. Like no one saying he'll suck bc of it. And at the same time recognize his poor footwork isn't bc of his line or surrounding cast. That's a Maye issue. Again just keep it on the level and I don't see an issue talking about this.
Back to the post.
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I promised
@DaBruinz I would highlight this. It's probably Mayes biggest impediment coming into the league imo. His footwork is bad. Correctable, yes but it leads to all sorts of problems. Inaccuracy, leading him into pressure. This was quite common while watching Maye. I love his aggressiveness, versatility and playmaking ability but this to get fixed.
33 - immediate heel click, too many steps that lead him to the only real pressure around. Feet are never really set or firm to fire. You'll notice he's a little "bouncey" at times. This is a common theme. He likes to slide or drift across as opposed to climb. Another issue that comes up is his hips and feet aren't always matched up correctly with his targets.
47/54 - I'd like to see him throw this a little sooner and I'm not "blaming" this pass on "mechanics" but I hate seeing the back foot come off the ground in most cases. It doesn't help here. Looks like both come off at some point. Not ideal here (54) but back foot stays on the ground which helps imo.
132 - again Upper & lower are helping each other. Another thing you see a lot. Feet stay forward while he contorts his upper. It works but as we'll see the same later on and it doesn't. He's not facing tremendous pressure here he has to set himself up better. Again you see this upper & lower not being married a lot.
150 - nice in rhythm throw. Always a big fan of the back foot/toes staying on the ground. I feel like this could be sped up a little more though. Nothing messy or sloppy but he could be a little quicker. Very next play is why you want to draft him. 40+ air yards far hash to sideline. Effortless, easy but like I've said with Maye. The most important thing about Maye isn't his size or athleticism or arm or we. It's his aggressiveness! None of that is any good if you don't have the aggressive mindset - "go win the game." That aggressiveness is on display everywhere. Good or bad results Maye will put it on his shoulders. And like life you want to funnel that not stop it but that confidence is exactly what you want to see.
210 - Doesn't put himself in the best position going to his right almost moving towards the pressure again. He's in empty, I'd love to see him set those feet off a quick one-two step drop and fire. Something very quick and decisive. This is something I saw a lot. Arm talent and athleticism gets him out of bad situations he creates for himself. The throw was pretty accurate but he made it difficult on himself.
227 - hips and feet aren't set towards where the target is going. Easy miss.
232 is another "why you draft him" play
333 - completely disjointed upper & lower body. Nothing is set. Easy throw still "catchable" but he makes things hard on himself and his target. Again you see this a lot.
451 little hitch/hesitation but you can see the promise in the mechanics
505 feet are set to where the target was no where he was "going to be"
510 - decisive quick with good velocity no messing about that's how you throw to your back
So you see the good and bad with Maye here. This is actually a good game to get a feel for what he can do. Deliver some great passes down field, very aggressive runner and player with traits for days. The mechanics and some of the shots he takes are a real concern though.
He's got all the goods and tools you'd want. Plus arm talent. Great size and frame to add muscle. Can touch any area on the field. Manipulate defenders high or mof/overhang. Can go through 2-3 reads with no problem. He has to get better post snap but is on his way pre snap. Although delayed pressure will hurt him from DBs. Tough kid that will take a shot in pocket or while running. Accurate on the move until about 25 yards. Far hash boundary about 40 with good accuracy. Has to learn how to climb instead of drift. Must get the upper and lower working together. There's so much to like about Maye but you need great coaching, a possible redshirt year and an ownership group with patience. WC isn't an ideal fit. He's much more suited for a spread/rpo look with an emphasis on getting the ball out quick but he's got so much to work with.
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