NFL Training Camp is well underway, meaning we’re that much closer to seeing live game action.
While Training Camp provides a great opportunity for veterans to work with teammates after a long offseason, it’s also the first larger-scale chance for rookies to work with their new NFL teammates. The 2024 NFL Draft Class sported plenty of exciting rookies: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye – to name a few – with fans craving to see where they fit on their respective teams’ depth charts.
Maye, the former North Carolina Tar Heels standout quarterback chosen third overall by the New England Patriots, is the highest-drafted UNC alum since Mitch Trubisky (second overall in 2017). Unlike Trubisky, though, Maye has significantly more college starting experience.
New England hasn’t enjoyed a consistently good quarterback since Tom Brady, the GOAT football player who won seven Super Bowls as Patriots QB. The Patriots are hoping Maye, who threw for 8,018 yards and 63 touchdowns in college, can be their next franchise quarterback.
In the early stages of NFL Training Camp, Maye is already receiving praise from his teammates.
Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers on rookie quarterback Drake Maye:
Per: @MikeReiss
"He looks good, man. He's getting more comfortable with the scheme, him and his guys are getting the right timing. He has exceptional arm talent," Peppers said.
"We're making it hard for him… pic.twitter.com/P7P9j7gadx
— Savage (@SavageSports_) July 28, 2024
Jabril Peppers, picked back in the 2017 NFL Draft like Trubisky, recently signed a 3-year extension with New England.
Like Peppers said above, his job is to make life tough for Maye in Training Camp by covering receivers, pressuring when needed and helping him realize the difficulties of playing NFL football.
If Maye keeps playing like Peppers says he is, a starting NFL job will be closer than Maye might think.
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