Mel Kiper doesn’t believe there’s a ‘huge gap’ between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye despite the USC QB’s high prospects

Williams may be out of the Heisman race but he is still one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL draft if he decides to take part in it.

Mel Kiper doesn’t believe there’s a ‘huge gap’ between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye despite the USC QB’s high prospects

Caleb Williams and Drake Maye (Image via IMAGO)

The 2023 season hasn’t even ended yet, and the New York Giants fans are already eyeing the next NFL draft. It helps that they are 2–8, and the chances of a revival are fleeting. All they need is a quarterback like Caleb Williams (USC) or Drake Maye (UNC).

While both are fine examples of great passers, what they need is a leader. Williams is already a Heisman Trophy winner, and Maye threw 38 touchdowns last season and already has 16 this year.

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The Giants would get the second pick if the season ended right now, but going first means they can always shape the entire draft. Still, they need to be cautious as to whom they go for. It’s not easy to digest the cruel spotlight of New York. Not only does the Big Apple host a very demanding crowd, but one must also face the very daunting New York media. And that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

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When it comes to which of the two between Williams and Maye suits the lifestyle, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who has evaluated the last 45 draft classes, has kept the UNC QB slightly behind the USC signal caller.

Caleb has a chance to be one of the higher-rated quarterbacks I’ve had when we are all the way finished with the process — in that No. 5-10 group. Drake will be just slightly below, if you go by today. There’s not a huge gap there.
Kiper told the New York Post

Kiper compared Maye to current Giants first-choice QB Daniel Jones. He claimed that the two players have similar attributes. He will suit Brian Daboll‘s system more. But then again, there’s no guarantee; he can just walk in and go nuclear. The situation is similar to that of Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs. Smith stuck around for a season and then handed it over to Mahomes.

Caleb Williams is one of the finalists for the Maxwell Award

It’s baffling how Caleb Williams is yet to play post-season football. And judging by the Trojans’ 7-4 record, he is set to miss it once more. This has limited the chances of the 21-year-old retaining his Heisman Trophy.

Mel Kiper doesn’t believe there’s a ‘huge gap’ between Caleb Williams and Drake Maye despite the USC QB’s high prospects
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (Image via Bleacher Report)

The season is not over yet. USC still has to play UCLA on the last matchday. Amidst the doom and gloom, there’s some positive news for Williams, who has been shortlisted as one of the favorites to win the Maxwell Award. A panel of sportscasters, sports writers, and NCAA head coaches jointly voted to choose the best all-around college football player in the United States.

In its 87th edition, 17 players are in the running, which includes six candidates each from the SEC and the Big Ten, while the Big 12 is notching three spots each. Williams is one of the three frontrunners to take home the trophy which he won last season.

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