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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The New England Patriots are hoping to pull themselves out of the funk that led to a 4-13 season in 2023. The organization parted ways with longtime coach Bill Belichick and promoted former linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to guide the team into this new era.
The Patriots have been struggling mightily since drafting quarterback Mac Jones in 2021. Initially, Jones appeared to be the real deal, as he helped lead the team to the playoffs in his rookie season. However, that one season was the last time the team was relevant in the AFC race.
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Following their near-bottom-dwelling 4-13 record, the Patriots selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, where they selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Other than USC's Caleb Williams (Bears) and LSU's Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Maye was touted as the third-best quarterback in this draft class.
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Some even talked about Maye being one of the top two quarterback prospects. Even with high marks from college, the NFL Combine, and public analyses predicting which players might be great out of college, success is not always a guarantee. Some players take a bit of time to develop, as the speed in the NFL is vastly different than it is in college.
Maye might be the hopeful franchise quarterback the Patriots need, but that does not mean he will become that right away. Mayo's recent comments about Maye during rookie minicamp also point to some concern about the team's new signal caller.
Mayo told Mike Reiss of ESPN, "He has a lot to work on. A lot to work on," Mayo said Saturday, repeating himself. "But I have no doubt that he will put the time in. He was here all night trying to get on the same page as everyone else."
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Maye is, after all, still a rookie. Despite some players coming in and having stellar rookie seasons in the NFL, that does not mean a lot of players go through that same situation. The good news is that Mayo is indicating that Maye is putting in the work to ensure he will be ready to go when training camp preseason begins.
There is also the expectation that Maye will be the day-one starter for the team considering they drafted him No. 3 overall, but that draft position does not ensure a starter's job. He could sit and learn under Jacoby Brissett, unless he showcases elite skill in training camp and preseason, resulting in his being awarded the starting quarterback position.
Maye being rough around the edges could also mean that Mayo and the team will lean more heavily on Brissett, whom the Patriots signed in the offseason. Brissett has become a journeyman quarterback, but one who can still bring plenty of experience and advice to his rookie counterpart.
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