Patriots
All eyes will probably be on Drake Maye because the Patriots' potential franchise savior at quarterback.
It stays to be seen whether the No. 3 pick within the 2024 NFL Draft will establish himself as New England's starting quarterback in 2024, but Mayes' physique and arm strength are perfect for the professionals and suggest he’s a signal caller who can succeed on the NFL level.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft believes Mayes' talent on the sector is much from the one reason he’s primed for achievement in New England.
Speech at “Zolak & Bertrand” on 98.5 The Sports Hub on Tuesday afternoonKraft described his first impression of Maye and what he has noticed about him since arriving at training camp last month.
“The first thing I really liked was when we signed him, he came here and his three brothers came with him — the older brother (Luke) plays basketball in Japan, and they all came. They're a unit. They're a strong family,” Kraft said. “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 along with his family impressed Kraft, the 21-year-old quarterback may even have to perform on the sector if New England desires to have a likelihood to regain its title because the AFC's true top team.
Given the apparent deficiencies and vacancies in New England's roster (especially within the offensive line and the shortage of a top-notch receiver), the Patriots face a busy 2024 season – and a multi-year rebuild beyond that.
The presence of Jacoby Brissett and Maye's limited appearances in New England's season opener against the Panthers also outline a scenario during which New England redshirt Maye for no less than a significant slice of the upcoming season.
But though Maye is viewed as more of a long-term project, Kraft believes the Patriots are on an upward trajectory with Maye's recent place within the locker room.
“He comes in early, works hard and just has all the fundamentals,” Kraft added. “And I think he has a good foundation and I think we're going to build something really special. I love the way the coaching staff has developed him and the culture with the players, in the locker room. But now we have to deliver on the field.”
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