Is Drake Maye Like Josh Allen? New England Patriots' Kendrick Bourne Reveals Favorite QB Prospects in NFL Draft

Current New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne recently revealed that he has been studying some of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; DUPLICATE***North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

If the New England Patriots decide to stick with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft, there will be plenty of debate as to which quarterback they should take. Everyone will likely have their preference on who the Patriots should be depending on different scenarios, even including current New England receiver Kendrick Bourne.

During his recent appearance on “The Money Down” podcast, which features former NFL players Warren Herring and Sojourn Shelton, along with ex-Patriots running back and Super Bowl hero James White, Bourne revealed his favorite signal-callers in the upcoming draft.

“I’ve been [a] big Jayden [Daniels fan], but after watching Drake [Maye]— I haven’t really watched J.J. [McCarthy] — they’ve been giving [Maye] the Josh Allen comparison,” Bourne said. “He is 6-foot-4, 225. He got that build. He got that structure to handle — I thought he was like 6-foot-2, maybe 200. Nah, they say he 6-foot-4, 225, like big dog. He got something to him. I’m in between, bro. I’m really in between. J.J., too. He got that winning mentality. He’s been through the hard work. (Jim) Harbaugh, Michigan, he just got that mentality.”

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; DUPLICATE***North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

There is obviously no mention of USC’s Caleb Williams, and that is because he is the consensus projected No. 1 pick. But it is after the Chicago Bears’ pick that things get interesting in the draft, with the potential for unexpected choices and surprising turns. Starting with the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall, where, in recent weeks, many contradicting rumors have circulated about who they are leaning toward selecting. 

Despite entering his redshirt sophomore season in Chapel Hill as the long-projected second quarterback in the draft, Drake Maye - who is a Pats' 30 Visitor - has seemingly in the eyes of some been overtaken by Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy, according to the rumor mill. ... All of whom are names that Bourne mentioned. 

Bourne’s comparison of Maye to Buffalo Bills franchise quarterback Josh Allen is interesting. However, the styles of each aren’t entirely that similar. Yes, Maye possesses an impressive one, a trait that he also shares with Williams, but he isn’t quite the athlete like Allen. While at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, he has the prototypical size for a quarterback, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he equates to Allen.

Not only does the current Bills quarterback possess the strong arm to make eye-popping throws, but at 6-foot-5, 237 pounds, he also has the frame and athleticism to get it done with his legs. However, the true difference maker is Allen's aggression as a runner; instead of sliding or getting out of bounds, the Bills quarterback is known to have a knack for trying to run defenders over.

However, that isn’t to say that Bourne and fans shouldn’t get excited at the prospect of drafting Maye, as they rightfully should. After just two seasons as the Tarheels’ starting signal-caller, Maye threw for 7,929 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. ... That's a start, as the Pats search for their version of a "big dog.''