With the 3rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye, a Quarterback from the University of North Carolina. 

After the 2023 season ended with a record of 4-13, the worst for the Patriots in over two decades, the team looked to rebuild. This first meant the Mac Jones experiment was officially over as the team traded the former first-round quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the offseason. The poor season did, however, give fans a glimmer of hope because the six-time Super Bowl champions now held the coveted position of selecting 3rd overall in this year’s draft. This pick would be the highest New England has drafted since choosing QB Drew Bledsoe in 1993. It also marked the first time former head coach Bill Belichick would not be in the Patriots draft room in over 20 years. Instead, he interviewed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for ESPN.  

Just because a team obtains a top draft pick doesn’t mean the chosen player will become an all-out superstar–it is very much uncertain. Over the years, many players have achieved success in the league after being drafted in later rounds—just ask a former Michigan quarterback who went 199th overall way back in 2000. 

Nevertheless, after months of trade talks, mock drafts, and comprehensive speculations, the Patriots finally found their guy in Drake Maye, a move that will surely excite fans. At the collegiate level, Maye demonstrated several skills that intrigued the Patriots organization. With a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility, twenty-one-year-old Maye has had the eye of scouts for years. Maye’s leadership qualities and dedication to football make him an ideal match for the Patriots’ culture of excellence and winning at the highest level. New head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf hope to continue adding to their arsenal before the season begins in September. 

As Drake Maye joins “Patriots Nation” and dons the famous red, white, and blue, fans are encouraged by the prospect ahead and eager for what’s to come. 

Important Dates:

The NFL Draft will continue through Saturday, April 27th. 

The Patriots release their full schedule of games in May. 

Tom Brady returns to Gillette Stadium to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on 6-12-24 (6 rings/TB12). 

Preseason begins for all NFL teams in August. 

The Patriots’ 55th season in the NFL officially begins in September.