Jerod Mayo and the New England Patriots saw something in Drake Maye, which was why they picked him as the third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the 21-year-old still has a long way to go to impress Mayo.
Maye’s 26 starts in college football for North Carolina were enough for the Patriots to take a chance on him. He, along with the other first years, yesterday completed the first week of rookie minicamp.
Mayo was present every day, keeping an eye on their possible franchise quarterback. His first impression of Maye was that he needed time to learn the playbook.
Early impressions of Drake? Look, he has a lot to work on. A lot to work on. Jerod Mayo said on Saturday
Minicamps are testing grounds for young players to show that they can be longtime starters for the team and Mayo believes their new No. 10 can pull it off.
I have no doubt that he will put the time in. You didn’t see him out here yesterday, but he was here all night trying to get on the same page as everyone else. Jerod Mayo said
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown has faith in his former quarterback. Maye learned under Brown the last two years and wants Patriots fans to have patience.
Patriots fans, regardless of what happens in the early years, this guy is a guy who can take you back to a Super Bowl. Just support him. You can't do better. He is the best. Mack Brown told Dan Roche of CBS News
In the two seasons, Drake Maye was a full starter. He threw 62 touchdowns and only 16 picks from 611 completions, with a success rate of 64%.
Drake Maye would have to compete with Jacoby Brissett for the starting quarterback job
After the departure of Mac Jones to Jacksonville, Mayo recalled former player Jacoby Brissett from Washington. Compared to Maye, the veteran has far more knowledge of the Patriots playbook. If the rookie fails to convince Mayo, then Brissett might receive the green signal.
He further expects the 31-year-old to assume the role of a mentor to Maye. But the last time the Patriots let a rookie (Mac Jones) start the season, he went 10-7 and made the Pro Bowl. However, everything went downhill from there.
