Drake Maye, the New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback, has been generating significant buzz since being drafted third overall. NFL analyst and retired quarterback Matt Hasselbeck recently compared Maye to Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert, further fueling excitement about Maye’s potential.
High Praise from Matt Hasselbeck
In a conversation with Mike Reiss of ESPN, Hasselbeck shared his thoughts on Maye: “To me, he’s a lot like Justin Herbert. So if you like Justin Herbert, I think you’ll like Drake Maye. And I really like Justin Herbert.” This comparison places high expectations on Maye, as Herbert is widely regarded as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league.
Similarities to Top QBs
Multiple analysts have likened Maye not only to Herbert but also to Buffalo Bills starter Josh Allen. This broad consensus underscores the belief that Maye has the tools to succeed at the NFL level. The Patriots, who have been searching for a long-term replacement for Tom Brady since 2020, hope Maye can fill that void.
The Draft Day Maneuvering For Drake Maye
It’s now known that both the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants considered trading up to secure Maye. However, the Patriots held firm at their No. 3 spot and were able to draft the North Carolina product. This decision reflects their confidence in Maye’s abilities and potential to lead the team in the future.
A Look at Justin Herbert’s Achievements
Justin Herbert, who Maye is frequently compared to, won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2020 and has been selected to the Pro Bowl. He finished last season ranked fifth in the league with a 64.1 adjusted QBR, according to Pro-Football-Reference. This sets a high bar for Maye, but it also highlights the potential impact he could have.
Matt Hasselbeck on Drake Maye’s Attributes
“I think his best football is ahead of him,” Hasselbeck said about Maye. “I love his personality. I love his demeanor. I love his toughness. I love his athleticism. Athleticism can get you in trouble sometimes, and it doesn’t always translate from college to the NFL, but I think his athleticism does. I think, more than anything, I think I really like the person. He has a contagious thing about him.” This glowing endorsement speaks volumes about Maye’s character and potential.
New England Patriots Development Plan
While Herbert made 15 starts as a rookie, the Patriots seem to be taking a more cautious approach with Maye. As of now, veteran Jacoby Brissett is expected to start when New England opens the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 8. This strategy allows Maye to develop at his own pace without the immediate pressure of starting.
Betting Odds and Expectations
DraftKings Sportsbook lists Maye as a +2200 underdog to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. This indicates that while there is optimism about his future, expectations for his immediate impact are tempered. Whether Maye spends much of the season learning as Brissett’s backup or gets a chance to showcase his skills sooner, his development will be closely watched.
Conclusion
The comparisons to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen set a high bar for Drake Maye, but they also highlight his potential to become a star in the NFL. As the Patriots nurture his growth, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if he can live up to these lofty expectations. Stay tuned for more updates on Drake Maye and other NFL news.
Source- Yardbarker
