Personal Makeup
Let me begin by stating definitively, the Pats have a great setup with veteran Jacoby Brissett allowing them to buy time developing their new young talent. Jacoby is a fine quarterback and gives any team a chance to be in and win the fight on any given Sunday. My take on the rookie…Drake Maye embodies the characteristics that any NFL team would desire in a quarterback. Known for his humility, competitive nature, toughness, and great sense of humor, Maye’s personality off the field mirrors the values that the New England Patriots cherish. His dedication to studying the game and relentless work ethic make him a natural leader, qualities that are crucial for the quarterback position in the NFL.
Physical Attributes and Skill Set
Standing at an impressive size 6’4″ and 223 lbs. with excellent mobility, Maye’s physical attributes are perfectly suited for the demands of professional football. His ability to improvise and create plays out of nothing makes him a dual threat, capable of extending plays and making defenders miss. His arm strength and throwing ability are evident, as he can make all the necessary throws with precision and power. His accuracy, when he’s on his game, and his playmaking ability allow him to operate effectively within the structure of the offense, while also having the ability to improvise when plays break down.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his many strengths, there are areas where Maye could improve to reach his full potential. Recognizing and responding to in face pressure is one such area; at times, he struggles to make the right reads under duress, leading to some errant throws. His passes can sail on him when he throws from the crown of the field or on the move, and he needs to work on getting the out in front more consistently on crossing routes. He has a tendency to hit the back shoulder a lot, and with trailing cornerbacks with great recovery speed, that can lead to picks. Additionally, while he has a good sense of outside pressure and moves well within the pocket, he sometimes takes unnecessary risks by throwing into crowded situations, which can lead to turnovers. But I would take that measured risk and those coachable areas any day as an awesome partnership opportunity.
Strengths and Potential
Maye’s ability to keep his eyes downfield while moving out of the pocket is a valuable asset, as is his understanding of when to take a sack instead of forcing a bad play. He possesses a strong arm that allows him to drive the ball on a line when necessary, and his ability to hit receivers in tight windows can be game-changing. His two years of starting experience and team captaincy reflect his leadership and maturity, making him a coachable player who can grow under the right guidance.
Overview and Fit with the Patriots
Evaluating Drake Maye is challenging due to his top-tier physical tools and occasional inconsistencies. His size and arm talent are immediately noticeable, as is his fearless approach to the game. However, this gunslinger mentality can lead to turnovers, a double-edged sword that brings both spectacular plays and costly mistakes. His tendency to leave throws on the back shoulder or hip and his need to adjust his throwing motion for better accuracy are areas where he can improve with coaching.
The Patriots, known for their disciplined and strategic approach, could be the perfect environment for Maye. His undeniable energy and playmaking ability can create momentum for the team, but he will require patient management and coaching to refine his game. The combination of his raw talent and the Patriots’ structured system could yield a high-reward scenario, provided he is given time to develop and learn.
Drake Maye possesses the right physical attributes, personal makeup, and competitive nature that make him an intriguing prospect for the New England Patriots. While there are areas for improvement, his potential upside and ability to make big plays under pressure align well with the team’s philosophy. With the right coaching and development, Maye could become a standout quarterback for the Patriots, leading them to success in the future. One other nugget before I close, his father was a former college and professional quarterback, and also a great mentor to me, so I know Drake has a wonderful home team around him to provide ongoing support and observations.