Image courtesy of Drake Maye’s Instagram
Patriots fans rejoice! The Patriots got their man as they drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the first round of the NFL Draft. The pick changes the trajectory of a franchise seemingly going backwards in recent years.
Maye was mocked to the Patriots by several local and national experts so it was expected he was going to be the pick. It is a best case scenario for a franchise desperate to find the heir apparent to Tom Brady after the failed, short lived tenure of Mac Jones.
Despite the team coming off of a 4-13 season and in the midst of a rebuild, Maye is excited about becoming a Patriot. After he was selected, Maye talked about joining an organization with history and tradition and about the the opportunity to play for Jerod Mayo.
“I think when I went on the 30 visit, just not only the history on the wall, but just the motto in there. Work ethic, grind it out. The Patriots, it’s been a dynasty. It’s one of the best areas, best sports towns; I think it’s the best in the country. I’m so looking forward to getting up there, getting to see it, getting to see Gillette Stadium, and just looking forward to that. I think that’s what Coach [Jerod] Mayo preaches. He’s such a player’s coach; I can see how all the guys attract to him. I look forward to playing for him and meeting everybody else.”
Maye’s excitement and charisma were evident throughout the time he met with the media but behind that youthful enthusiasm lies a competitor. Someone who is eager to prove that he can be the next great quarterback of the Patriots.
When I asked Maye what Patriots fans can expect from him, he wasn’t shy about the fact that he loves to win and compete.
“A competitor and a winner. I think those are the main things that come to mind. It doesn’t matter if I’m racing you out the door, or if we’re on the field competing. I think competing to win: that’s what Patriots Nation is about. That’s what they know how to do, and I’m ready to come in and do that.”
The comparisons to Patriots quarterbacks of the past will be made by members of the media and the fans alike. Maye knows he cannot control that, especially when it comes to Tom Brady. He is willing to learn from the GOAT if possible but he also has to be himself.
“Yeah, Tom Brady’s the G.O.A.T. It’s easy to say that. He’s the best that ever played this game. I’m not going to be Tom Brady. So, I’m just going to try to be Drake Maye, and from there, I’m just trying to learn from him, hopefully get to know him a little bit. Other than that, just try to soak it up, be a sponge and try to learn all I can from him. He’s the man of that town.”
The Patriots will take their time developing Maye. They know he is a work in progress and if they do it right, they could end up with a franchise quarterback. Maye is willing to be patient and embrace the process. He also knows he is going to have to work hard and compete if he wants to succeed with the organization.
“Yeah, they asked me in front of a bunch of coaches, and I think my first thing is helping in any way I can contribute. I’ll prepare and be ready to be the starter, but at the same time, you know that as a young guy coming in there, it’s not given to you. You’ve got to earn it. The NFL is a place that you’ve got to work your butt off. My job is to go in there, earn the guys’ respect, help whoever is the starter, if I’m not, be the best player they can and help this team win.”
Based on our first impression of Maye, the Patriots got the right guy. Now it is just a matter of getting him ready to play. When they do, the Patriots could find themselves in Super Bowl contention once again.
Maye represents hope. Something Patriots have once a again.