The Patriots thought they had their quarterback of the future in Mac Jones after taking him 15th overall in 2021 but after two years of regression, they moved on from him this off-season, trading him to the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Now comes a new opportunity to truly find Tom Brady’s heir apparent and the next great quarterback in franchise history. 

It is a good year to be picking at the top of the draft and the Patriots could get it right this time if they take one of the top three quarterbacks third overall. 

We have been talking about this pick for months. The time to make a pick is here. 

The Patriots need to do the right thing and take a quarterback. Caleb Williams will go first overall to the Bears and the expectation is that Jayden Daniels will go second overall to the Washington Commanders. That will leave the Patriots with three options.

One: Take Drake: The most obvious and logical choice. The Patriots should take Maye who has the most upside in this draft class. He can grow with the franchise. There is no need to rush him. Develop him right.

Two: Draft J.J McCarthy: Highly unlikely but I have been told by sources around the team that the Patriots like him and would consider taking him at three if the Commanders changed course and took Maye second overall. 

Three: Trade Down: Not happening unless they get blown away with an offer. The sense around the league is they like Michael Penix enough to consider this but ultimately they will stick and pick. 

So assuming all goes according to plan and they draft Maye, it will be all about developing him. The Patriots will need to take their time with him and do it right. Put the requisite pieces around him and help him grow. 

Could Maye play as a rookie? Sure but it is risky. Even if he outplays Jacoby Brissett in the pre-season, Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt need to resist the urge and not play him. Maybe you start him half way through the season or if Brissett got hurt. 

The Patriots have a chance to change the trajectory of the franchise tonight. Do not over think it. If Maye is on the board at three, take him and move into the future.