Less than a week before the 2024 NFL draft, Drake Maye’s draft prospects are soaring. ESPN’s Matt Miller suggests Maye might land no lower than the third pick. The New England Patriots, currently holding that pick, are reportedly keen on Maye, according to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports. Schrager mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show that it’s unlikely the Patriots will trade out of the third spot, indicating their strong interest in Maye and Jayden Daniels.
There’s uncertainty about whether Maye will still be available when the Patriots are on the clock. Betting odds favor Daniels as the second overall pick, but Maye’s odds have been narrowing the gap, hinting at his rising stock. The Washington Commanders, holding the second pick, have kept their intentions under wraps but hosted a sizable group of prospects, including Maye and Daniels, for an official visit.
"From what I’ve heard the Patriots really like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels..
I would be very surprised if the Patriots moved out" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Smkobaw6jd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2024
The Patriots are open to trading their third pick, as confirmed by director of scouting Eliot Wolf, though they are comfortable retaining it. Tom Curran from NBC Sports Boston suggests it would take a significant offer, potentially more than three first-round picks, to sway the Patriots to trade out of their position. Given the Patriots’ pressing need for a quarterback, holding such a high pick offers them a valuable opportunity to address it.
Maye is highly regarded among quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft class. With the potential to be as impactful as Caleb Williams, Maye is ranked as the top quarterback and the third overall prospect by B/R’s NFL scouting department. For the Patriots, securing Maye with the third pick could significantly bolster their offense, which struggled to score points in the previous season.
While draft speculation is rampant and team statements should be viewed cautiously, it aligns strategically for the Patriots to prioritize their pick. Securing a promising quarterback like Maye could be a pivotal move for their rebuilding efforts, especially considering their offensive struggles in the past season. If Maye falls to the third pick, it could be a major win for the Patriots as they seek to revitalize their offense.
