In a high-stakes move that has all eyes on Foxborough, the New England Patriots made a decisive grab at the NFL Draft last week, selecting University of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye as the third overall pick. This decision plugs a glaring gap at quarterback, but it also sparks a significant question: Should Maye start immediately or learn from the sidelines?
Nick Wright, a seasoned analyst from Fox Sports, weighed in on this during an episode of FS1’s “First Things First.” His take? Patience. Wright advocates for Maye to take a learning stance in his initial NFL season, suggesting that the young quarterback sit behind the experienced Jacoby Brissett.
The Case for Caution with Drake Maye
“I think sitting him is the absolute right decision,” Wright explained. He further justified his position by pointing to the necessity of a solid foundation, notably a robust offensive line to shield Maye from the kind of relentless pressure that could jeopardize his development.
“You don’t want him to get David Carr’d when you get sacked 70 times and you’re scared… If I were a Pats fan, I would want them to sit him and maybe have another top-five pick to buttress the team next year.”
New York Giants:
Offered #6 + 2025 1st for Drake Maye
Passed on JJ McCarthyMinnesota Vikings:
Offered #11 + #23 + 2025 1st for Drake Maye
Drafted JJ McCarthyNew England Patriots:
Rejected Both Offers
Drafted Drake Mayeso why are YOU drafting McCarthy OVER Maye ? pic.twitter.com/VSj11soZWf
— DynastyIM (@dynasty_im) April 30, 2024
The wisdom in Wright’s caution is underscored by Maye’s age and his growth potential. At just 21, Maye is stepping into a league where experience can be as crucial as raw skill. His college track record, while impressive, showed signs of plateauing, with a slight dip in his performance in his final year at North Carolina.
After throwing for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions and rushing for 449 yards and nine scores in 2023, some might argue Maye could benefit from an observational rookie year.
Jacoby Brissett’s Role
With Jacoby Brissett available, the Patriots have a reliable interim quarterback who can handle starting duties while Maye acclimates to the NFL’s rigor. This approach not only shields Maye from early burnout but also allows the Patriots to fortify their lineup, potentially positioning them for another high draft pick if the upcoming season doesn’t pan out as hoped.
The Potential Downsides of Immediate Play
Thrusting Maye into the starting role could expose him to the physical and psychological pounding that has derailed many promising careers. Critics of immediate starts point to mechanical flaws and the steep learning curve rookies face, which could be exacerbated under the intense pressure of actual games.
Allowing him to develop behind a veteran like Brissett could spare Maye such pitfalls, aligning his debut with a stronger, more supportive team structure.
What Lies Ahead for Drake Maye and the New England Patriots?
As training camps and preseason games unfold, the Patriots’ strategy with Maye will become clearer. Whether they opt to follow Wright’s advice or chart a different course, the end goal remains the same: ensuring that Maye’s considerable talents are honed into a long-lasting and successful NFL career.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on New England to see how this high-potential quarterback will be integrated into one of the league’s most storied franchises.
