Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Marcus Maye, S

Marcus Maye, S
School: Florida | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 216 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Morgan Burnett

College Statistics

Player Overview

Marcus Maye could very well be a big draft day riser if he knocks the remainder of his draft process out of the park. Maye has an NFL ready body and good athleticism that has helped make his case to be a day 2 pick so far. Maye has good vision and instincts for the position. When the ball is in the air he usually is in a position to make a play or set up a hit afterward. Maye definitely possesses the physical tools to be a great safety but right now I worry most about three things with him: His feel for space around him in coverage, his inconsistent tackling ability, and he penchant for letting the play come to him in run support. I feel all three areas will get exposed in the NFL. There is nothing I can do so slow down the Maye hype train (nor would I want to) but I think he is the definition of a player with upside that probably shouldn't start for at least a season.

Strengths

• Close to prototypical size for a versatile safety. Maye can drop back and play deep coverage but he can also line up in the box and keep an eye on threats in the backfield.
• Even with inconsistent tackling technique is does his job in open space. A real SAFETY if he’s one on one against a man I would count on him to make a tackle.
• Good vision, can see plays developing and get and early start on getting to the ball.
• Good athlete who if in man coverage can stick to his receiver and be a pest.

Weaknesses

• Sometimes gets lost in space while playing a zone. Needs to have a better feel of where people are in front of and behind him and adjust his positioning and remain disciplined.
• Inconsistent tackler. He commits all the tackling sins: swats at ankles, rolls off of thighs and waists, goes too high and misses his target.
• Not as fluid as you would like in coverage. His change of direction and acceleration to make up ground behind him looks particularly laborious.
• Recovering from a broken arm that held him out of the last three games of the year.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Marcus Maye is the type of defensive back I want to season a little bit before I throw him to the wolves. I think this kid could make a heck of an impression on special teams but he needs a good deal of work before he’s ready to be thrust into a starting safety role on any team IMO. Some people think he has star quality potential but to be honest I just can’t see that yet. I like all the physical tools he brings to the game but the finesse and mental aspects of the game/position just aren't there yet. Of course, that isn’t to say Maye can’t grow only that I think the way people are talking about him right now is a bit rich from what I’ve seen. I’d definitely want a kid like this on the team over Whitner and Bruton but I wouldn't expect the results on the field to change much if he’s thrust out there too early. The thing, in particular, I really like about Maye is his versatility and experience playing different positions including both safety spots and cornerback. If anything happened to your starters you would have depth at all of those spots. I think a team trying to build like the Redskins are always needs an influx of versatile young talent and Maye fits the bill.