When the New England Patriots selected quarterback Drake Maye third overall in this past NFL Draft, I initially supported the idea of sitting the North Carolina product for his entire rookie season. I didn’t think the team around him could help him develop. However, as the season has progressed, I can confidently say I was both right and wrong.
From what we’ve seen so far, Maye’s raw talent has proven too good to be benched this season, even with what might be the worst coaching staff and roster in the NFL. In my opinion, Maye has shown himself to the best quarterback in this year’s draft class, thanks to his elite arm strength, poise in the pocket, and remarkable ability to extend plays—all despite the lack of support around him.
Maye has all the makings of a franchise quarterback, but coaching changes must be made if he is to be successful in New England. The offensive play calling is awful (as seen by the Kraft's frustration on Sunday), and although it's early, Jerod Mayo doesn't seem to have the tools of a long-time successful NFL head coach. The Patriots must fire Mayo after this season and hire a coach who can properly develop a great talent like Maye if they hope to realize his full potential and bring more Lombardi Trophies back to Boston (Mike Vrabel anyone?).
The Patriots just saw what happens when you don't support a young quarterback properly with the failed Mac Jones experiment, and although Maye is so much more talented than Jones, it's fair to say Jones at least through his first two seasons, had way more support than Maye currently has. If they mess this up again, the Patriots can’t afford to waste another decade searching for Tom Brady’s replacement. Especially when they already have a superstar in the making.
Drake Maye is the future of this franchise—but only if they build the right foundation around him, and it starts with the Kraft's admitting Mayo was not ready for this job and giving their quarterback a real support system.
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