North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye has set his sights on the NFL by declaring for the 2024 draft after an impressive collegiate career with the Tar Heels. He has already garnered attention from NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, where he sees a potential fit.
In a recent conversation with NFL columnist Pat Leonard, the young star expressed his admiration for the Patriots’ offensive style. He cited the influence of Tom Brady and the coaching of former Patriots coach Brian Daboll, now with the New York Giants.
“It was just really cool watching the old Patriots tape and seeing him coach Tom and say, ‘Hey, this what Tom was thinking, he’s taking Gronk across the middle.’ Some of that stuff was pretty cool, and it makes me want to play in that type of offense,” Maye said at an event in Detroit.
Should Maye be drafted by the Patriots, he could have the opportunity to learn behind Jacoby Brissett while the team undergoes a rebuilding phase under Jerod Mayo. However, the path to New England may face competition from other teams eyeing Maye in the draft.
The New York Giants were rumored to be considering a bold move to secure the No. 3 overall pick in order to draft Maye.
Pat wrote that he also asked Maye if he met Giants co-owner John Mara and how that went.
“Um, I’m not gonna speak on anything. Sorry about that. Yes sir,” Maye responsed.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have emerged as another contender in the Maye sweepstakes, having acquired a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With their draft strategy evolving, the team could be positioning themselves to make a play for Maye.
NFL QB coach says he will not draft Drake Maye in the Top 10
Drake Maye has been a polarizing figure among NFL insiders. However, one NFL quarterbacks coach has voiced reservations, stating he wouldn’t draft the signal-caller in the top 10 picks.
The QB coach acknowledged Maye’s impressive interview skills and experience in various offensive systems. However, he expressed concerns about the young star’s readiness to start immediately in the NFL. There is a consensus emerging that Maye might benefit from time to develop behind the scenes before stepping into a starting role.
Critics point to the UNC star’s inconsistent footwork, which can lead to accuracy issues on his throws, according to Bleacher Report. Pro Football Focus analyst Nick Akridge highlighted Maye’s tendency to miss easy throws due to poor footwork, resulting in a modest 75.1% adjusted completion percentage.
For teams eyeing Maye, the decision hinges on weighing immediate needs against long-term potential. Some franchises may prioritize immediate impact from their top draft pick. Meanwhile, others may see him as a developmental prospect with the raw tools to blossom into a franchise quarterback given time and coaching.
What’s your take on this discussion?
