The Patriots picked Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
When you invest the third overall selection in the NFL Draft, the goal is to get a player capable of changing the fortunes of a team. That is even more true at the most important position in the sport: a quarterback picked that high is meant to become the face of a franchise as well as somebody capable of pulling along the entire club on and off the field.
Whether Drake Maye will be able to do all that remains to be seen, but the New England Patriots are confident in his abilities as both a quarterback and a team leader.
“He’s a great person. He’s tough. He’s gritty. He was productive. He elevated those around him. He’s 6-4 and a half, 225 pounds. He can really throw the ball. He’s athletic,” director of scouting Eliot Wolf said during a recent appearance on the Adam Schefter Podcast. “I think a combination of those things — we think there’s a lot to develop there with him whenever that time may be. …
“His character. His passion for football. His drive. He’s an all-around good person. He’s really tough. He’s all-football. Comes from a good family. I could go on and on about this guy. Those things will move forward with us. He’s a younger person, and as he assimilates into our locker room, I think our players will rally around him.”
With players such as David Andrews, Deatrich Wise Jr. or Ja’Whaun Bentley, the Patriots have experienced leaders on the team that have been around during the franchise’s dynastic run. As the entire organization transitions into a new era, however, a new generation of leaders will be asked to take over.
Maye will be asked to be front and center in this process, due to his draft status and position on the team. The 21-year-old, who was voted a captain each of his last two seasons at North Carolina, is very much is looking forward to it.
“I’m super excited to get with the guys,” he said during a recent appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub. “Get going for rookie minicamp for a few days then get kind of acclimated with the older guys. That’s one of the best parts about coming to the new team, getting acclimated with the guys, getting to know them, getting kind of to show them what I’m about — just to meet all the guys and show my personality.”
Maye’s first opportunity to do that is rookie minicamp this coming weekend, followed by the rest of the Patriots’ offseason workout program and mandatory minicamp.
“I’m just excited,” he said. “Excited for a new beginning. I’ve been in North Carolina my whole life. Excited to get somewhere new. Great sports town up there; I know they got a lot going on right now with the Bruins and the Celtics. So, excited to join that and get things going.”
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