3 Most Likely Quarterbacks the Patriots Will Draft With a Top-10 Pick in 2024
By Tyler Maher
2. Drake Maye
If the Patriots can't get Williams, their fans would be just as happy with Drake Maye, who's arguably just as talented.
The current UNC sophomore burst onto the scene in 2022, earning ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors. He tallied 4,321 passing yards on a 66.2% completion rate alongside a 38:7 TD/INT ratio, finishing with eerily similar passing numbers to Williams.
Maye is a bit more of a sparkplug on the ground than Williams is, however. He rushed for 698 yards and 7 TDs in 2022 and has 276 yards with 8 TDs so far in 2023. His passing stats have also held steady for the most part with 3,145 passing yard, a 65.8% completion rate and a 21:6 TD/INT ratio through 10 games.
Similar to Williams, Maye's playmaking abilities and running skills make him an attractive option for New England. Aside from Cam Newton's brief stint in 2020, the team hasn't had a mobile quarterback in his prime for a long time. And with glaring weaknesses in the Patriots' receiving corps and offensive line, having a quarterback who can escape pressure and pick up yards on the ground would give the offense a massive boost.
Even as a sophomore, Maye already looks like a clear upgrade over Jones.