The Patriots were able to draft Drake Maye, who was identified early in the pre-draft process as a tough player with competitive spirit. He displayed these qualities through his playing style and ability to bounce back from mistakes. Maye possesses the necessary physical attributes to excel at the quarterback position, but it is his intangible qualities that the Patriots believe will make him a great player in the future.
While Maye has some areas of his game that need improvement, such as mind-numbing throws and mechanical flaws, the Patriots are confident in their ability to coach and develop him into a successful player. Surrounding him with talent will be crucial in ensuring his success and preventing him from reaching his potential floor as discussed by Jerod Mayo.
Looking towards Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, there are several prospects that could complement Maye either as receivers or blockers. Some of the best available players include Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, and Malachi Corley. At running back, players like Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Javon Bullard stand out as potential options to support the offense. The Patriots will need to carefully consider these prospects in order to build a strong team around their young quarterback.