This season, all eyes will be on Drake Maye as the Patriots’ potential franchise quarterback.
It remains to be seen whether the player selected as the number 3 pick in the 2024 draft will establish himself as a starting quarterback this year, but Mayes’ physique and arm strength are the best prerequisites for a professional quarterback, as he suggests he can be successful at the NFL level.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft believes Mayes’ athletic talent is not the only reason he is on the road to success.
Speaking on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” this week, Kraft described his first impression of Maye and what he noticed at training camp.
“The first thing I really liked was when we signed him, he came here and his three brothers came with him,” Kraft said. “The older brother plays basketball in Japan and they all came. They’re a unit. They’re a strong family. And that just showed me the kind of support (he has).”
“I worry about these young people who come here and have no income at all, and that they don’t care about winning and they don’t put the team first. I also want to mention that he brought his girlfriend with him, who he’s been with since seventh grade, so he seems very solid and has good values.”
While Mayes’ close bond with his family impressed Kraft, the 21-year-old quarterback must also perform on the field.
Given the team’s obvious deficiencies in the roster (particularly on the offensive line and the lack of a top-notch receiver), they face a busy season – and potentially a multi-year rebuild.
Mayes’ limited appearances in the season opener against the Panthers could indicate that he will be behind Jacoby Brissett for at least part of the season.
But even though Maye is seen as more of a long-term project, Kraft believes the Patriots are on the upswing with him.
“He comes in early, works hard and all the fundamentals are there,” Kraft said. “And I think he has a good foundation and I think we’re going to build something really special.”
“I’m excited about the way the coaching staff has developed him and the culture with the players and in the dressing room. But now we have to perform on the field.”
You can reach Conor Ryan at [email protected].
