With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have selected UNC’s Drake Maye.
Maye came in as the third-best quarterback option in the draft, and many teams were attempting to trade up to select this potential franchise quarterback. However, it was the Patriots that won the day.
Maye became the starter for the University of North California Tar Heels in 2022 and rattled off a staggering stat line that included 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Despite a stellar season, Maye was not named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, though he probably should have been.
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Despite his not being named a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2022, Maye led UNC to the ACC Championship game. Sadly, the team was routed by the Clemson Tigers 39-10. Maye accomplished these feats and stats despite being sacked 40 times in the 2022 season.
Maye would bounce back in 2023, securing 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The young quarterback has the prototypical size for his position, coming in at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. Getting sacked 40 times is nothing to scoff at, but Maye has the right build to take damage and get right back up.
Maye was a two-year starter at UNC, meaning he is not fully set in his ways. He is still plenty moldable and has the right type of football IQ to learn a new system. He will need to learn how to read defenses a lot quicker, but he has the right type of escapability and ball velocity to still make plays when in danger.
Maye may not be as prolific on his feet as Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams or Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, but he can still run the ball when needed. On top of his passing stats in 2023, he secured 449 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Should Maye learn how to read defensive schemes fast, he could use that to become a much bigger dual threat with his legs. Then again, his arm strength is great enough that he could whip the ball into tight windows if defenders are attempting to sack him.
Again, Maye will need to learn how to process defensive looks, which is his biggest drawback — but that can be taught. The Patriots have needed a franchise quarterback since Tom Brady left the team for the Buccaneers. Mac Jones did not work out but Maye could be the right player to uplift the franchise to AFC relevancy.
Maye might need to develop for a season, but he has the right size and arm strength that will lead to him having an incredible career.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.