The Drake Maye Era Begins

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye will take the QB1 baton this weekend, grabbing his career NFL start against last year’s top rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, and the Houston Texans.

The Drake Maye Era Begins

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “The future is now in New England: Sources say the Patriots are planning to start Drake Maye against the Texans, the first start for the No. 3 overall pick. Jacoby Brissett, who started the first five games, heads to the bench.”

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also provided context for Maye’s emergence: “The Patriots plan to start the season with Jacoby Brissett had others around the league questioning their decision. Now a change at QB gives the rookie a chance to show what he’s got against a really tough Texans defense.”

Maye’s takeover can be perceived as fruition; he’d always earn the QB1 eventually. It was just unclear if New England wanted to showcase him in a situation like this. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said about the move on Wednesday, one day after the reports leaked about Maye’s impending QB1 arrival: “We’re good with Drake. Every team doesn’t have a No. 1 receiver, a No. 1 running back … But I would say that Drake is gonna make us a better football team today and going forward.”

Those comments sounded a little odd — lowering the bar for Maye, who evidently doesn’t have an RB1, even though Rhamondre Stevenson plays for the Patriots. Nobody, though, will dispute the wide receiver commentary. The Patriots do not have a bellcow wideout and may not even have a real WR2 if that can be believed.

New England owns a 1-4 record as Maye scales the depth chart to QB1, with an 8% chance of reaching the postseason, according to DVOA. The club probably won’t reach the postseason, although some superfans will hope Maye displays some Stroud-like magic upon his debut. Stay tuned.

There’s also the offensive line angle. Yikes. Maye will lead a team with a wretched offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots’ offensive trenches rank 32nd in the NFL, also known as dead last. New England showcases this OL group:

• Vederian Lowe (LT )
• Michael Jordan (LG)
• Nick Leverett (C)
• Mike Onwenu (RG)
• Demontrey Jacobs (RT)

That’s not ideal, and there’s a reason the unit ranks last in the pros.

On the whole, the remaining 12 games in New England will solely be about Maye’s maturation and development. Not much else matters. The team could’ve traded down in the draft 5.5 months ago, stockpiled assets, and selected a premiere wideout like Malik Nabers while also onboarding a quarterback like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. But they chose Maye — godfather trades be damned.

The good part? Maye has every single tool to succeed. He’s not a flawed prospect. He can be as good, if not better, than Stroud.

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the Minnesota Vikings, with 4-7 episodes per week. His NFL obsession dates back to 1989. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.