New Report Reveals How Patriots Feel About Top QBs

Jayden Daniels? Drake Maye? Even J.J. McCarthy? April 25's NFL Draft is approaching, but Peter Schrager of Fox Sports has simplified the choice for Patriots fans.

Per Schrager, he believes that the Washington Commanders, who own the second overall pick, will select either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, and New England is "fine with whichever one falls to them". After all of the hype, speculation, interviews, and visits, could the decision really be as "easy" as that?

While others have contended that Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy is very much in play with the third overall pick as well, Schrager is relatively dismissive of that idea. He waters the decision back down to Jayden Daniels vs. Drake Maye, which is the original debate that Patriots fans were engaged in for months before a late push from the McCarthy crowd.

Unfortunately for New England, the Patriots' future at quarterback is essentially in the hands of the Washington Commanders. Barring a incredible turn of events, Caleb Williams will be the Chicago Bears' first overall selection.

Based on Schrager's reporting, if the Commanders take Daniels, it sounds like Maye is the pick at three. If the Commanders take Maye, Daniels is the pick at three. It's simple, but should Patriots fans feel better if the front office was enamored with a particular quarterback instead of taking the best option remaining?

As things currently stand, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels projects as the most likely selection for the Washington Commanders with their second overall pick. Adam Schefter has been absolutely adamant that the Commanders will take the reigning Heisman Trophy winner with that pick, going as far as to let Washington fans know that they can "go get those Jayden Daniels jerseys."

At Daniels' pro day, LSU head coach Brian Kelly had a freudian slip in which he proclaimed: "[Daniels] going to get the ball out to the playmakers and make plays for Washington." Pairing those comments with Schrager's recent reporting, Drake Maye will be a New England Patriot. Unfortunately, that's oversimplifying the process and fans won't know for sure until April 25.

Regarding Maye, some personnel across the NFL, including an anonymous assistant coach, have shown some hesitation about Drake Maye's ability to play day one in the league and the need to slowly work him up to NFL speed.

The UNC gunslinger is regarded as the most raw quarterback and was voted as the QB most in need of a "redshirt" season in a poll of NFL executives, coaches, and analysts. One assistant coach had a damning comment about the work that Maye still needs to put in to be ready to start: “I like Maye, but when I see the amount of work it will take to have him reach his potential, we’ll be fired first."

This comment comes on the heels of Merril Hoge's warning that Maye "is the kind of player that will get you fired...especially if you draft him in the top five or top three, he’s going to get you fired."

After inking veteran QB Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal, New England is in a position to "redshirt" Maye for a season and develop him behind the scenes, which could help the franchise feel more comfortable about picking Maye while Brissett serves as a bridge quarterback.

In other Pats news: