There were a couple of significant pro days on Thursday for NFL teams in need of quarterbacking help. Two of the presumptive top five QBs in the draft, Drake Maye of North Carolina and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington packed their college workout facilities with NFL evaluators for their respective pro days.
Drake Maye
Maye was the featured attraction in Chapel Hill. The likely top-5 overall pick showed improved footwork and consistency in his mechanics, per ESPN’s Louis Riddick.
The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, who hold the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks and glaring quarterback need, both had massive representation for Maye. Maye threw almost 80 passes, which is 20-30 more than a typical pro day. One of the reasons for that was Maye’s insistence to immediately reattempt throws he missed.
The reviews were strong. Take this summation from NFL.com’s Eric Edholm,
There were a few concerning misfires, but the session contained a little of everything for NFL front offices to chew on — including a lot of good. The questions surrounding him are mostly about experience and how he’ll adapt early in his pro career due to coming from an Air Raid system, but his throwing ability appears downright exciting.
Maye has a great arm, no question about it:
Stood behind Drake Maye the entire throwing session. A few errant throws early on, but he settled in as it went on. Ball comes out of his hand with plenty of velocity. pic.twitter.com/TnqaNo41tf
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 28, 2024
Michael Penix Jr.
All 32 teams were repped at Washington’s pro day, including a large contingency from the New York Giants, to watch a bevy of Huskies prospects. With as many as six offensive players who will be drafted in the first three rounds, the crowd made a lot of sense. The headliner, of course, is the quarterback who is projected to be a top-50 pick, Michael Penix Jr.
The 24-year-old lefty did not disappoint.
Penix did a complete workout, choosing to run the 40-yard dash and athletic testing like the vertical jump. His time in the 40 was reported between 4.46 and 4.53 seconds, which is impressive for a quarterback who posted paltry rushing stats at Washington.
Michael Penix Jr. is a 4.4 guy and if you are shocked by that, you haven’t watched enough of his tape. His speed showed up at Indiana and Washington despite his limited rushing stats. He is a THROW FIRST DISTRIBUTOR OF THE BALL who makes sure his guys EAT. @themikepenix pic.twitter.com/V2GtT9Tajt
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 28, 2024
As expected, Penix threw the deep ball quite well.
Mike Penix, Jr. showed off the arm strength & elite ball placement here 😤@themikepenix | @UW_Football
(via @OmarDRuiz) pic.twitter.com/e2bdVLinOQ
— NFL (@NFL) March 28, 2024
Penix spent time with the Giants, who sent nearly their entire offensive coaching staff and a significant portion of their front office, after the workout. He has upcoming visits with the Steelers, Broncos, Falcons and Raiders, too.
