The New England Patriots have struggled at the quarterback position in the 2023 season. A recent ESPN mock draft has the organization taking talented signal-caller Drake Maye from North Carolina with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
Maye declared for the NFL draft on Monday night. He had a stellar season for North Carolina in 2023, totaling 3,680 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has recorded 8,018 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in three years at Chapel Hill.
Maye and Caleb Williams are thought of as the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft. There are some other solid candidates too, such as LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote:
Much like Chicago, the Patriots need to start over at quarterback, especially because the entire organization could reset this offseason. Mac Jones’ fifth-year option decision is also coming this offseason, and after he was benched for Bailey Zappe, all signs point toward a new QB1 in New England for 2024.
Maye is a powerful thrower at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, with the arm talent to stretch the field vertically and the mobility to threaten on the ground. There are times his ball placement can be inconsistent, but his supporting cast at North Carolina did him few favors there. Maye — who is declaring for the draft — has the traits of a true franchise quarterback.
Maye would undoubtedly jump-start the Patriots quarterback position and give the team a chance to rebuild around a true franchise player. The Patriots need playmakers on both sides of the football, and Maye would fit the bill for the most important position on the field.
