With Bill Belichick’s departure marking the end of an era, the New England Patriots are on the brink of a new dawn. The arrival of Jerod Mayo as head coach ushers in, not just a change in leadership, but also signals the likely introduction of a fresh face at quarterback.
During a revealing one-on-one interview with WBZ’s Steve Burton following the introductory press conference, Mayo was asked about his excitement for the upcoming draft. He, somewhat shockingly, disclosed, “What I will say is this: we are going to draft the best player for a very important position. You put the pieces together.” This level of transparency is quite a change from his predecessor, who typically guarded insights into the team’s draft strategy.
The performance the Patriots got from their quarterbacks for the 2023 season was disappointing at best. It’s time for a change at the most important position on the field. The combination of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe ended up finishing tied for the lowest points per game, 31st in average passer rating (Jets were 32nd), 28th in passing yards per game, and 30th in yards per pass attempt. Neither player performed well enough to earn the starting position for the next season.
Mel Kiper’s First Mock Draft Predicts Patriots Take UNC’s Drake Maye
With the Patriots having the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, many are assuming the team is going to choose a quarterback to become the new face of their franchise. ESPN draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., has the Patriots taking Drake Maye, the quarterback out of the University of North Carolina, in his first mock draft. Maye has been thought of as the second-best quarterback in this draft by most draft pundits. In Kiper’s mock, Maye slides to third as 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels makes the jump and gets taken by the Commanders with the second overall pick.
Adam Jones says it would be a dream come true if Drake Maye falls to the Patriots at #3! pic.twitter.com/BSooZIMC6v
— Jones & Mego with Arcand (@JonesandMego) January 23, 2024
Drake Maye’s journey to the top of draft boards happened last year — along with 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams. Many in NFL circles claimed that both Maye and Williams would’ve gone ahead of Bryce Young, and all the other quarterbacks in the 2023 draft class, had either of them been eligible to do so. His ability to remain atop those draft boards through a rocky 8-5 Tar Heels season, is a testament to his blend of raw talent and versatile skills that seem tailor-made for the NFL.
On the Field
Maye’s ability to deliver off-balance throws through a keyhole is nothing short of artistic. It’s rare to find a quarterback who can maintain such precision while dancing away from pressure. His ability to navigate through his progressions with the poise of a seasoned quarterback, all while keeping the tempo of the offense in perfect rhythm, shows just how relaxed and comfortable he seems to be in the pocket.
The upside doesn’t end there, Maye’s arm strength is undeniable. He’s able to get the ball over the top of defenses with seemingly no effort. Occasionally, he’ll let his arm strength get the best of him. When Maye decides to throw it deep, it’s similar in many ways to Josh Allen. Maye doesn’t have that level of arm strength; but the decision behind the throws, the timing, and sometimes the outcome can leave you scratching your head. If he can get more consistent on his deep-ball decision-making, it will go a long way to limiting his turnovers which is so crucial in the NFL.
Whether it’s slinging deep passes that cut through defenses with surgical precision or adjusting his arm angle to fit the ball into the tightest of windows, Maye does it all with an effective and exhilarating flair. His form on the run is textbook, showcasing an athlete who’s extremely comfortable moving around the pocket and making plays with his legs. Though his top speed may not translate to the NFL, his ability will be enough to move around the pocket and extend plays effectively.
Beyond the Measurables
What sets the UNC quarterback apart is not just his on-field prowess but his mental makeup. Unfazed by the pass rush, he displays a calmness under pressure that’s rare to find at the college level. Part of what helps him to be so calm is his willingness to take the easy throw or even throw it away; especially on early downs. Maye isn’t going to take a big shot when there’s no one open, he’s perfectly content throwing the ball at someone’s feet or out of bounds to live for another down.
On the flip side, Maye has shown that he’s more than willing to stand in there and take a big hit for a big play in return. That kind of toughness is something every NFL fan wants to see out of their quarterback. He’s even shown that he can complete passes while being completely wrapped up by a defender and is on his way to the ground; as he did multiple times in a thrilling overtime game against Duke.
2 minutes of Drake Maye being chaotic vs Duke pic.twitter.com/DJABgwt03a
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) January 24, 2024
The Verdict
In Drake Maye, the Patriots could draft not just a quarterback but a path back to relevancy. Let’s face it, the Patriots faithful haven’t been able to witness consistently good quarterback play since Tom Brady left, following the 2019 season. Maye’s brilliance in the quick game, paired with the emerging DeMario “Pop” Douglas in the slot, could rejuvenate New England’s offense and offer a dynamic that’s been missing in recent years.
As the Patriots stand at the crossroads of a new era, it’s clear that neither Mac Jones nor Bailey Zappe is the answer. Drake Maye represents a path lined with potential and promise. His transition to the NFL will take some adjustment, no doubt. Yet, with the right coaching and system — Jerod Mayo’s decision of who to hire as the offensive coordinator will be crucial — Maye could very well be the cornerstone the Patriots build around for years to come, turning the page to a new chapter of success.
Main Photo: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
