Bill Belichick shares his thoughts on Patriots first-round draft pick Drake Maye

New England’s former head coach served as an analyst on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday night.

For the first time in a quarter century, Bill Belichick is not running the show in the New England Patriots’ draft room. Following his departure from the organization earlier this offseason, the team’s long-time head coach has now instead settled into a media role: in the he provided analysis for the Pat McAfee Show during the first round.

This also means he had a front-row seat to watching his ex-club pick North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall. It goes without saying that all eyes were on Belichick once the pick was announced.

“That was certainly a top need for them,” Belichick said. “It’s quarterback, tackle and wide receiver. And so, this is one of the top needs.”

Belichick went on to say that there would be some similarities in terms of size and athleticism between Maye and a player he oftentimes compares himself to, current Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. Then, it was time for the main event: Belichick breaking down Maye’s tape to give an assessment of him as a player.

“A very talented kid. Good size, runs well, has a good arm,” Belichick said. “He hasn’t played very much. He really doesn’t have a lot of experience, and he makes some big plays … He’s going to need some work in reading defenses, reading coverages. He’s quick to come off the receiver … He’s kind of quick to bail out of the pocket, and he’s going to have to hang in there a little bit longer so he can find those receivers. …

“This is a kid that can make all the throws. He just needs to be more consistent. … The transition from a college quarterback to a pro quarterback here, he just needs some time and experience.”

Belichick’s analysis of Maye’s strengths and weaknesses may not necessarily be groundbreaking. It does, however, summarize what type of player the new Patriots QB is: a physically talented passer who in many areas has room for growth.

Now, it’s on Belichick’s former club — led by his former understudy Jerod Mayo — to maximize his potential.