Patriots Build Draft Around New Franchise QB Drake Maye

· May 14 - 6 minutes read

The Hoodie may no longer be with the New England Patriots, but there is reason for optimism after the team landed quarterback Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall selection. The Patriots were then strategic in using the 2024 NFL Draft to build around their new franchise quarterback. Looking for a lottery ticket in the NFL odds? Take a flier on the Patriots to win the AFC East at +2200.

With the next four picks followed the selection of Maye, New England added two receivers and two offensive linemen to help its new QB1. From there, the team added a few lottery tickets to keep an eye on in the coming years. The Pats also drafted strong-armed Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton in the sixth round and Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell in the seventh round.

Patriots Build Draft Around New Franchise QB Drake Maye — Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels / Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Let’s dive into what you need to know about the Patriots draft.

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Why Patriots Fans Should Be Excited About Drake Maye

The headline here is Maye, and we are not done talking about the No. 3 pick after the Mac Jones era ended in a whimper. On the eve of the draft, I had a chance to ask Maye about his meeting with the Patriots.

“It was awesome. Went up there to Foxborough, got to see the place,” Maye said 24 hours before being selected by the Patriots. “See all the dynasty, all the history there. Such a coveted kind of sports town. Coveted place to play.

“… Got to express why I think I can be the pick and other than that, just ready to compete somewhere, wherever it is.”

Maye took a step back statistically last season at Chapel Hill but consider the signal-caller’s numbers from 2022 with North Carolina. The quarterback threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 66.2% of his passes. Maye is a dual threat who also added 698 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2022.

I don’t think we’ve talked enough about how Drake Maye can punish man coverage as a runner.

3rd down and all your receivers are covered? No problem. pic.twitter.com/H5KbfOQrRC

— Matt St. Jean (@mattstdream) May 13, 2024

“The Patriots aren’t accustomed to drafting in the top three, but they picked a good year to do so,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler noted. “My No. 2 quarterback in the class, Maye goes to a situation in which he won’t be pressed into action right away, but all the tools are there for him to develop into a top-10 NFL QB.”

Patriots Fill Desperate Need for Receivers

Heading into the draft, New England desperately needed receivers and they landed two playmakers that can contribute right away. Receivers like Washington’s Rome Odunze garnered most of the attention, but second-round selection Ja’lynn Polk was also a major reason why the Huskies made a run to the national title game.

Polk posted 69 catches for 1,159 yards and nne touchdowns in 2023.

“Excellent hands down the field.” – @MoveTheSticks

The @Patriots got a target for their new QB Drake Maye with WR Ja’Lynn Polk. pic.twitter.com/jivqqoUDFA

— NFL (@NFL) May 11, 2024

UCF wideout Javon Baker fell to the Pats in the fourth round after running a 4.54 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Baker has a chance to emerge as a starting NFL receiver. The receiver posted 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

UCF WR Javon Baker blew a kiss toward the Oklahoma sideline during his long TD pass.

Brent Venables was *not* happy. pic.twitter.com/2eSHoW4YGh

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 21, 2023

“Former Alabama signee with good size and skill level who finally saw his production spike once he transferred to UCF,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein detailed. “Baker looks the part, and his tape will keep growing on you the longer it runs.

“His play was very natural and instinctive in 2023; he made quality plays on the ball in game after game. He uses speed changes and route leverage to create separation, and he’s at his best working the second and third levels from either inside or outside.”

Javon Baker was a DAWG in 2023 y’all

What you NEED to know:

➖52 Receptions, 1,139 Yards, 7 TD’s in ’23
➖6’1, 209 lbs
➖21.9 YPC, the epitome of big play ability

Showcasing versatility was often and evident, Baker was also able win with his promising speed, I’m expecting… pic.twitter.com/FipUOPX9d4

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 3, 2024

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Time to Order Those Drake Maye Jerseys

The Patriots draft’ received mixed reviews, but there are plenty of reasons to think the future is brighter in New England. Maye has a chance to be one of the best players in this draft.

When Drake Maye starts…what sort of offense should the Patriots call for him?

Both @QBKlass and I think new OC Alex Van Pelt should draw heavily on his time in Cleveland…

Talked about the rookie QBs on this wk’s pod!

🎧: https://t.co/25po4Tj9rF
📺: https://t.co/2FxqA8SyUi pic.twitter.com/3DGhozbVe8

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) May 9, 2024

New England added some playmakers and also bolstered its offensive line. Time will tell if the team’s draft picks will pan out. ESPN’s Mel Kiper gave the Patriots a B draft grade.

“[Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf] hit this roster’s biggest needs with his top picks and now has a quarterback to build around,” Kiper explained. “I don’t expect the Patriots to be a great team this season, but at least their offense will be fun to watch.”

A sleeper bet to keep an eye on in the Las Vegas odds, taking the Pats to make the playoffs is +750.