Will Drake Maye Get Drafted To Patriots? Latest Rumors Suggests So

Long considered the second-best quarterback of the 2024 Class, Drake Maye's draft stock has since fallen in recent weeks, and it's great news for the New England Patriots.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (QB04) talks to the media / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

For the better part of the 2023 college football season, most draft pundits believed that North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye would be the consensus second quarterback taken in the 2024 draft.

Things have changed in the last few months, though.

Following the Scouting Combine and most Pro Days, other quarterbacks like LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy have seen their stock rise while Maye's has been stagnant to say the least. Among the largest rumors around NFL circles is that the Washington Commanders, owners of the second overall pick, would bypass Maye entirely and instead draft the former Heisman Trophy winner in Daniels. Albert Breer later said as much about the Commander's interest in Daniels as a player.

That would be great news for the New England Patriots.

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (QB04) talks to the media / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

It's conclusive to our team that Maye is safe as the second-best quarterback in the current draft class behind USC's Caleb Williams. His pocket awareness and arm talent will bring a quick turnaround to any struggling franchise. Overall, while he doesn't have the all-around game that Daniels has, his overall skillset, tied with his leadership skills, allows him to be a safe bet he'll be drafted within the top three picks in April.

For a team like the Patriots, they aren't prepared to take a major step from their three-win season last year. They have major needs along the offensive line, and don't have a stable receiving core. By all accounts, the quarterback selected would want to sit a year to develop his game, and allow the team to add a respective cast around him.

When it comes to Daniels, his ability as a runner might improve the Patriots for the 2024 season, but it may also give the organization an excuse to go slower to improve the roster. With Maye, immediate needs would need to be addressed.

With Maye being the better prospect, it makes plenty of sense why the Patriots could conceivably winning the draft on the first night due to the way the Commanders and Chicago Bears decide to role with their quarterback holes.