The New England Patriots were on the clock with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and in prime position to take a top quarterback prospect. With Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels off the board, the franchise got their guy with Drake Maye.
They are hoping he’s finally the answer to replace Tom Brady after failed runs with Cam Newton and most recently Mac Jones. But before Maye can prove that he is the guy, he has to answer a big question.
Is he ready right now at the NFL level? That’s one of the five biggest questions for Boston.com’s Khari Thompson as the Patriots get set for NFL training camp:
“At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Maye has size, athleticism, and a big arm, which are all things that the Patriots lacked at the quarterback position last year,” Boston.com’s Khari Thompson wrote. “There are also questions about whether his footwork and accuracy are up to par for this level. Maye will have the opportunity to compete this summer, but offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt already has familiarity with Jacoby Brissett, who started 11 games for the Browns in 2022. Will the Patriots play Maye or be set with Brissett? That’s a big decision for this new coaching staff.”
The Patriots open up camp on July 24th and have not fully committed to a starter at quarterback just yet. Maye will battle out veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job.
Maye’s readiness to be a starter could concern the Patriots early on in camp and he is going against a veteran in Brissett. Through eight seasons – three of which he started a majority of his games in – Brissett has 10,574 passing yards, 51 touchdowns, and just 23 interceptions.
When New England starts its regular season on Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Cincinnati Bengals, will Maye or Brissett be under center? Maye can answer that early in camp with a solid showing.
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