Depending on how the 2024 NFL Draft unfolds, Drake Maye could begin his career with the New England Patriots.
New England possesses the No. 3 pick with a glaring need at quarterback. With Caleb Williams likely to go No. 1, Maye is a strong candidate to get selected by the Washington Commanders or Patriots.
Following his North Carolina pro day, Maye discussed his early conversations with the Patriots.
“They’ve been great,” Maye told reporters on Thursday. “Coach [Jerod] Mayo, first-year head coach, congrats to him. And just in there talking with new offensive coordinator coach [Alex] Van Pelt, and learning their stuff. He’s just been awesome.”
Maye could be tasked with reigniting a stalled dynasty. He discussed the prestige of a franchise that spent two decades in contention behind Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
“Such a historic program and team and history up there in New England. So just getting the chance to know them, get to know what they’re about and their champion mindset of getting back to the glory days has been cool,” Maye said.
Maye also has kind words for the Commanders. He called general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn “great dudes.”
“I’m excited to see what’s in store,” he said. “They got a great thing going up there.”
Maye enters the NFL after accounting for 78 touchdowns in his last two seasons with the Tar Heels. The 6-foot-4 prospect demonstrated his arm strength during an impressive pro day.
Assuming the Bears pick Williams, Maye is likely competing with Jayden Daniels for the No. 2 spot. Yet Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has seemingly entered the conversation, potentially increasing New England’s odds of landing Maye as its new franchise quarterback.