According to Fox 59/CBS 4’s Mike Chappell, the Indianapolis Colts met with Florida safety Marcus Maye this weekend at the NFL Combine:
Add Florida S Marcus Maye to list of players who've met w/Colts. Also DEs Solomon Thomas (Stan), Tarell Basham (Ohio) Davon Godchaux LSU)
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 5, 2017
The 6’0″, 216 pound senior safety is fresh off of a season in which he recorded 50 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 5 pass breakups in the Gators first nine games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
Nevertheless, Maye still earned 2nd-Team All-SEC honors.
He finishes his standout Gators 4-year collegiate career with 205 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 5 interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries, and 6 forced fumbles.
During his junior season, he was named a 1st-Team All-American selection.
Via his NFL.com Draft Profile:
"NFL COMPARISONGlover Quin"
"BOTTOM LINEInterchangeable safety with the instincts of a free safety and the physicality of a box player. Thrives as a downhill player and has the instincts and speed to operate effectively from both single-high and two-deep looks. Has the physical attributes and intelligence to step into a starter’s role early on and will be a strong contributor on special teams."
Here are a few ‘snippets’ on Maye as well:
Marcus Maye just keeps showing up on the tape. He is the real deal at safety.
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) December 13, 2016
From open-field tackling to man covg to policing deep...not a lot Florida S Marcus Maye can't do. Impact player pic.twitter.com/XvYjxGRVCG
— Mark Dulgerian (@MarkDulgerian) February 1, 2017
Of course, the Colts could clearly use some safety help.
Young emerging safety Clayton Geathers is set to return from a season-ending neck injury, but the bigger question is who will be starting alongside him in the back of the Colts secondary.
The Colts apparently have had “zero discussions” on re-signing veteran Mike Adams, and rookie safety T.J. Green struggled immensely this past season–looking like more of a project going forward.
Not to mention, fellow veteran defensive back Darius Butler, who played safety situationally very effectively this past season is also a free agent.
Maye has the versatility to play both safety spots and could be a much cheaper alternative than paying say prized Arizona Cardinals free agent safety Tony Jefferson at least $9 million annually on the open market as part of a lucrative new deal.
Next: Report: Colts Have Met with Stanford Defensive End Solomon Thomas
If nothing else, he could contribute immediately on special teams, while providing much needed competition for Green at the Colts other starting safety spot.
May is currently projected to be a Round 3-4 pick, which is right around where the Colts could look at a long-term upgrade at their starting safety position.
Here are the following prospects who the Colts have reportedly met so far at the NFL Combine: