One bold prediction for New England Patriots No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye in 2024

New England Patriots fans will want to see Drake Maye as the starter Day 1 in the NFL, but it is in the team’s plan to be patient with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  What does that mean for the 2024 NFL season?  Well, that is what Jacoby Brissett was brought back to Foxborough.

Though Maye has all the arm talent in the world and a prototypical quarterback body, the potential franchise quarterback will need to be eased in.  Could he potentially sit out his entire rookie season?  The die-hard Patriots fans doesn’t want to see that, but if its more beneficial for the team long-term, it’s the right move.

Do the New England Patriots have the right players surrounding Drake Maye?

One of the main reasons the Patriots may need to be patient with Maye’s development is the supporting cast.  There are good playmakers in tight end Hunter Henry and wide receivers Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osbourne and second-year receiver Demario Douglas, but the team didn’t do much in the offseason to get that stud playmaker while at the same time solidifying the offensive line.

With those question marks on offense and relying on younger players to evolve the offense, sticking Maye into the fire could hurt him.  After the Mac Jones fiasco, the organization is playing it smart.  However, if Maye dazzles with more no look, Josh Allen(esque) throws, shows he can pick up the playbook fast and shows improvement with his footwork, he could persuade Jerod Mayo and company to see what they have in him sooner rather than later, especially if Brissett isn’t doing much to help the offense gain some type of identity.

Drake Maye will be the starter in 2024

While the team is saying all the right things and putting a lid on all the hype surrounding Maye, the former North Carolina star will show enough in the preseason to have fans calling for him to start, but the veteran Brissett will still get the nod to start the season. 

Leaning on a solid defense, Brissett will do enough to lead the Patriots to a couple early wins, but an injury in Week 4 will lead to Maye’s rookie debut in a game against the Miami Dolphins.  He will struggle in an eventual loss, but in his debut as a starter Week 5 against the Houston Texans, the Maye vs CJ Stroud hype will be a promising indication of what the Patriots have in their future franchise QB.

The Patriots will center their gameplan around Rhamondre Stevenson and the run game, while having Maye play game manager for the game to limit mistakes.  The Patriots rookie will deliver and display his chemistry with rookie receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.  In throwing for just over 200 yards in his rookie debut, Maye will throw for a touchdown and scramble for a touchdown as the Patriots show heart in competing with one of the top teams in the AFC. 

NFL Mocks is not ready to call an upset in this Week 5 matchup, but the debut of Maye as a starter will be the buzz throughout New England and the NFL.  How Maye leads the team will leave Mayo with a tough decision as a young head coach, will he stick with Maye or go back to Brissett once he returns healthy.  Some will say that’s an easy decision for a team looking to build its future now.