Top QB prospect discusses receiving advice from Eli Manning

It was learned earlier this month that New York Giants legend Eli Manning was advising North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye as Maye prepares to become possibly the second or third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

While speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, Maye revealed he's a "big fan" of the two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. 

"I think Eli would say he’s probably seen me too much," Maye explained, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "I’ve been following him around. It’s always on Zooms. I think the biggest thing is being a sponge and soaking it all in. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know it all, being up there with Eli."

In his latest mock draft posted on Wednesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the New England Patriots will make Maye with the third overall pick of the draft en route to moving on from 2021 first-round choice Mac Jones. 

While much has been made about the Giants possibly spending a high draft pick to replace current starting signal-caller Daniel Jones, it's believed New York general manager Joe Schoen doesn't want to package pick No. 6 with up to three second-round selections to jump to No. 3 in the draft order for either Maye or LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels. 

However, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports predicted in his mock drafts updated throughout February that Maye will fall to the Giants at No. 6. In such a scenario, Schoen would have to choose between building around Jones or resetting the club's quarterback clock via Maye. 

Per Danny Abriano of SNY, Maye referred to Giants head coach Brian Daboll as "one of the best" offensive minds in the league on Friday morning. 

"Eli [told me] just be myself, don’t be somebody I’m not," Maye said about how he's handling his uncertain future. "At the end of the day, don’t give the NFL too much spotlight or credit. Go out there and play ball."

Individuals around the league reportedly expect the Patriots will help make quarterbacks the first three picks of the player-selection process. 

For what it's worth, the previously mentioned Manning is still a big believer in Jones' ability to be the Giants' long-term answer at the position.