By Jake Loomis, Class of ’24 — Senior Sports Writer
This year is a critical year in the Patriots’ franchise, with a new head coach taking over in Jerod Mayo after Bill Belichick stepped down. Mayo will have a lot to do, and it starts with finding a quarterback after trading former 1st Round pick Mac Jones to Jacksonville. New England had the third overall pick in the draft, and they were slated to take Drake Maye on last week and did. There were reports, however, that the Patriots received laughable offers for the pick and refused to move down. There was also an opportunity, though, that the Patriots would get Jaden Daniels at three if the Washington Commanders pass on him at the second overall selection.
Another theory that was waved around but was highly unlikely was that the Patriots would draft Marvin Harrison, Jr. at three. This would have been a good move, as Harrison is a generational talent at the wide receiver position. However, it did not fill the overarching need of a quarterback. If they were to go for Harrison, they would most likely look to Bo Nix, who went at 12 or Michael Penix, Jr. who shockingly went at 8 to Atlanta.
The Patriots also will have new decision makers this year as the core group in selecting this pick was a mix between Owner Jonathan Kraft and de-facto GM Eliot Wolf along with Mayo. The Defense is not much of a concern right now as they ranked 15th last year with top players Matt Judon and Christian Gonzales injured. The Patriots’ offense last season was ranked 31st and is clearly the need of the team.This is why they focused on that side of the ball in the draft and will continue to look and add much needed spark plugs.
This draft will set the tone for the franchise for the next five to 10 years because of the difference that Maye will make. The Patriots see the position as one that can change the entire landscape of a franchise according to de-facto GM Eliot Wolf. Maye has the potential to be a generational talent in a class that has been labeled one of the best QB classes ever. This was their most important pick since drafting Drew Bledsoe number one overall in 1993. It will and could change the franchise.
Maye is listed at 6’4”, 230 lbs. and has a great body and size to be an elite athlete in the NFL. Maye has a lot of work to do before he can be labeled as a starter for New England and will likely sit behind Veteran Jacoby Brisset for a year. When Maye is ready, however, he will be able to use his big frame to make plays and move the ball downfield with his strong arm. His comparison in the NFL is rival foe Josh Allen, who also had question marks coming into the NFL; Allen, however, turned out just fine. There is no pressure for Maye as of now as the rebuild will likely take two to three years. Overall, this a great pick for New England and a great pick to start the new era.
Cover image from WBZ.