The New England Patriots have placed their future in the hands of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. As they look to groom him as the next franchise signal-caller, the road ahead may be more challenging than anticipated. Former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who left a legacy as a six-time Super Bowl champion, has cast doubt on Maye’s readiness for the NFL.
Speaking candidly on Underdog Fantasy’s “Coach with Bill Belichick” podcast, the legendary coach did not mince words about Maye’s abilities. Belichick remarked, “He needs a lot of seasoning in terms of reading coverages, overall throwing mechanics, and consistency. Is he a big, fast athlete? Yeah. But I think it’s going to take more than that to be ready to play quarterback in the National Football League.”
This analysis is coming from a coach who’s built his career on exacting standards and has seen every kind of quarterback. Belichick went on to highlight a checklist of key areas Maye must improve. “You expect quarterbacks at this level to be able to throw check-downs to backs, slant routes to wide receivers, hit a wide-open seam,” he said, adding that Maye might have more work to do than other rookie QBs.
Bill Belichick's thoughts on Patriots Rookie QB Drake Maye 👀 pic.twitter.com/7kJAe2vLcg
— Underdog Fantasy (@UnderdogFantasy) September 7, 2024
Belichick’s concerns aren’t new. He voiced a similar sentiment on draft day during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he mentioned that Maye “hasn’t played very much” and will need to develop better pocket awareness and decision-making.
Maye, a standout from the University of North Carolina, doesn’t fit the traditional mold Belichick has relied on for years. While the Patriots once thrived with Tom Brady, a deliberate and efficient game manager, Maye brings a different skill set to the table. He’s a dynamic athlete who often relies on his ability to improvise and make plays outside of the structured offense—traits that are reminiscent of modern stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
The New England Patriots are selecting Drake Maye..
CONGRATULATIONS @BostonConnr 👏#PMSDraftSpectacular pic.twitter.com/vOjQB9CUXd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 26, 2024
However, this playing style may require some adjustment from a fanbase accustomed to Brady’s methodical approach. Maye’s ad-libbing, combined with his physical gifts, could inject fresh energy into the Patriots’ offense but will also come with growing pains. His penchant for making plays off-script was showcased during his college career, where he impressed with jaw-dropping throws on the move, like a touchdown strike against Clemson.
Patriots fans got a taste of Maye’s mobility during a preseason game against the Washington Commanders. On third-and-long, Maye tucked the ball and scrambled for a first down, flashing the kind of athleticism rarely seen in New England’s recent quarterbacks.
Awesome throw on the move from Drake Maye to J.J. Jones pic.twitter.com/mZvHeooDGw
— Ian Valentino (@NFLDraftStudy) November 18, 2023
It’s clear Maye won’t be another Brady, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Maye’s potential to extend plays and create explosive moments offers the Patriots a new dimension. Though Belichick may have had his reservations, the Patriots’ fortunes now rest on a different kind of quarterback—a risk-taker who could redefine the future of the franchise.
As New England transitions from the Belichick era, Maye’s journey will be one of growth, learning, and excitement. Whether he can live up to the lofty expectations of Patriots fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he won’t be boring.
3rd and long… and Drake Maye finds a crease.
📺: #NEvsWAS on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1CrU2xiPyM— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2024
