When it comes to having a former NFL mentor who knows a thing or two about surviving in the New York market, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye couldn't have picked a better person than retired New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Maye, who described himself as a "big Eli fan," told reporters at the combine that he's been routinely picking Manning's brain on any number of topics as he prepares for next month's NFL draft, where he's projected to be a first-round pick.
"I think the biggest thing is being a sponge, soaking it all in," Maye said of his "frequent" Zoom calls with Manning, joking that Manning must be getting sick of him by now. "I don't have all the answers, and I don't know it all."
Among the many pieces of advice, Maye said Manning gave to him was a very basic one. "Yeah, just be myself," he said. "Don't be somebody I'm not, and at the end of the day, don't give the NFL too much spotlight or credit. You know, just going out there playing ball."
Maye, who said he's been training with David Moore, Manning's backup in college, confirmed that he had a meeting with the Giants at the combine, which he described as having gone well.
"It was good in there," he said. "Meeting with (Head) Coach (Brian) Daboll--big fan of him Offensive mind--one of the best."
Last season, Maye engineered a Tar Heels offense that was one of the most explosive ones in the country, an offense that he believes could have been even better had he done more of his part.
"It was kind of one of those things where some games where I could have made some more plays at the end to win some more games," Maye said. "But simultaneously, it was kind of a learning experience, and I had some big-time offensive games. Just go back out there, take it one play at a time, and have confidence in myself."
Although Maye is very much a competitor, he wouldn't be averse to sitting in his first year at the NFL level, having done so in college when he sat behind current Washington quarterback Sam Howell.
"I think it's something that would be an advantage," Maye said. "There's always two sides to it. I think it's going to be a huge help. You see, guys, where it works out -- (Green Bay Packers QB)Jordan Love -- and instances where going in like (Houston Texans) C.J. (Stroud) right away can be successful. So, whatever they think, I'm ready for both ways."
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