FOXBOROUGH – Weeks ago.
That’s how long the Patriots have known they’re taking Drake Maye at No. 3.
Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo met with the media minutes after selecting the big UNC quarterback and ultimately, the next face of the franchise – for three years at least.
While fans and media members wrestled with the future of the highest pick the Patriots have had since 1993, those inside the building have known what the decision would be for weeks. The idea of having to choose between LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Michigan’s JJ McCarthy or Maye was ultimately all smoke with no fire.
“That wasn’t really something that came up. We knew a long time ago that Washington was going with Daniels so we were able to make our pick, and we’re really happy about that,” Wolf explained bluntly.
When talking about expectations, Mayo reminded fans to be cautiously optimistic about Maye’s future. After all, they did sign Jacoby Brissett for a reason.
“I don’t think many rookies are ready to just jump in and play,” Mayo said. “At the end of the day, our philosophy is the best players will play. Coming in as a rookie, hopefully he’s a sponge. A lot of good players in that locker room. Look, Jacoby understands, he’s a mentor. He’s very smart, has great leadership skills, and hopefully Drake can learn something from him, as well. I would say we’re going to compete all spring, we’re going to compete during training camp, and the best player will start.”
Wolf also acknowledged that whoever the QB is Week 1 needs more support than he has right now in terms of offensive talent.
“I just think we need to support him in any way we can, on the field, off the field. We need to add some weapons to the offense. We need to shore up the offensive line,” he said. “We have good players already at those positions but really just increasing the depth and the competition. Like Jerod mentioned, that competition is going to be at every position.”
So now, the Maye and Mayo era begins. Will it be better than the Newton, Jones or Zappe era? Time will tell, but for the time being, the clouds have lifted over 1 Patriot Place.