Drake Maye Lands in Foxboro: Patriots Draft Former Tar Heel Quarterback
In a highly anticipated NFL Draft moment, the New England Patriots have selected Drake Maye, the former University of North Carolina quarterback, with the third overall pick.
Maye’s selection marks a significant move for the Patriots, who are looking to revitalize their offense after a disappointing 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs and post their worst record since 2000.
Throughout his two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Tar Heels, Maye displayed exceptional talent and athleticism. He threw for an impressive 7,929 yards with a 64.9% completion rate, tossed 62 touchdowns, and added 16 rushing scores. Maye’s impressive statistics earned him All-ACC First-team honors in 2022 and Second-team recognition this past season.
The Rise and Fall of Mac Jones
The Patriots’ decision to draft Maye comes after their previous quarterback, Mac Jones, was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason. Jones, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, helped lead the Patriots to a playoff appearance that year, but the team has struggled since then, missing the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023.
New England’s Offense Needing a Spark
The Patriots’ offensive struggles have been multifaceted, with a lack of consistent play at the quarterback position being a major factor. New England’s receiving corps, consisting of K.J. Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, and Jalen Reagor, also lacks star power, while the backfield duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris provides a solid but unspectacular ground game.
A Youthful Revolution
The Patriots are embarking on a new era under head coach Jerod Mayo, who was hired after the team mutually parted ways with legendary coach Bill Belichick. Mayo’s arrival has ushered in a youthful revolution, with Maye joining a talented cast of young players, including tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver DeVante Parker.
Maye’s Potential
Maye possesses all the tools to become an NFL star. His strong arm, athleticism, and leadership qualities make him a potential franchise quarterback. The Patriots will hope that he can quickly adapt to the professional game and help lead them back to the playoffs.
Well, the New England Patriots decided to gamble on Maye, making him the third overall selection and their quarterback of the future.
Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Syracuse Orange during their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 40-7. (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Maye, long considered the second-best quarterback in this draft class behind No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, saw his stock rise after a stellar season for the Tar Heels, which was capped off by a Heisman Trophy-winning performance from Jayden Daniels. This forced Maye down to the No. 3 spot, where the Washington Commanders selected him.
In his two seasons at UNC, Maye threw for 7,929 yards at a 64.9% completion rate. He recorded 62 touchdowns to just 16 interceptions and added 16 more scores on the ground. Maye was an All-ACC First-team selection in 2022 and Second-team this past year.
