New England Patriots Host QB Drake Maye for Top-30 Visit; Best Draft Pick at No. 3?

As they continue to evaluate their NFL Draft Options, the New England Patriots will welcome UNC quarterback Drake Maye for a top-30 visit to Gillette Stadium.

To paraphrase the immortal words of Jerry Seinfeld, the New England Patriots will take one more opportunity to determine if they “love the Drake” as Day 1 of the NFL Draft draws closer. 

The Patriots will host former UNC quarterback Drake Maye for a Top-30 visit at Gillette Stadium on Friday, according to a report by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

With multiple reports predicting that fellow quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels will be selected by the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders with the first two picks respectively, the Patriots have the chance to find their future franchise quarterback in Maye at No. 3. The former Tar Heel has been described by some draft analysts as an “ideal fit” within coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense.

Maye completed 63 percent of his passes in 2023 for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for nine touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, Maye appeared in 26 games, while completing 64.9 percent of his passes for 7,929 yards with 62 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also logged 1,147 ground yards on 296 carries and 16 rushing touchdowns.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10)

Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps best known for his elite arm strength, the 21-year-old also possesses the velocity and touch on the ball to make any throw required of him — including those into tight windows. Accordingly, he has been heralded as one of the best navigators of the entire field in this season’s Draft class. Maye is equally touted for his exceptional athleticism. When the play breaks down, he possesses both the agility and instinct to turn off-script options into big gains. 

Still, Maye still has some growing pains which will need to be addressed at the pro level. Though he is often praised for his willingness to take potentially productive risks, he has yet to master the art of temperance. As such, his daredevil-like play style can lead to costly mistakes. Maye also must develop his technique when handling pressure. Last season, Pro Football Focus credited him with a 19.6 percent pressure-to-sack rate last season, placing him on the higher side when being compared to successful pro quarterbacks. 

Friday’s visit will mark the third meeting The Patriots already met with Maye at the Scouting Combine, and later again before his pro day at Chapel Hill last week. During his pseudo-interview with the club in Indianapolis, the 6-4, 223-pound quarterback seemed quite taken with the Patriots, as well as the New England region as a whole. 

“I was really impressed with them,” Maye said during his Combine press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium. “Anytime [you have] a new head coach [Jerod Mayo,] it’s a pretty cool experience. So just being in there, New England’s obviously a great sports town … So I thought it went well. I think New England’s a great spot.”

Accordingly, Maye will have the chance to experience the Foxboro area on Friday. While NFL regulations prohibit them from doing any on-field work with him — due to their attendance at his pro day — the Pats gain another opportunity to evaluate Maye’s potential fit as their new quarterback.