The New England Patriots committed their future to former North Carolina Tarheels superstar quarterback Drake Maye when they scooped him up s the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This does not mean, however, that the 21-year-old will be the Pats’ starter from Day 1.

As a matter of fact, Maye isn’t expected to takeover QB1 duties for New England until the middle of the season.

New England Patriots: When Will Drake Maye Start?

 

 

Retired NFL executive Jeff Diamond recently listed his predictions on when the big-name rookie quarterbacks are going to start for their respective teams. While the likes of Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are pretty much a lock to start from the get-go, the same cannot be said for Maye.

While the young QB has climbed the depth chart in New England, he still quite a ways to go before overtaking projected starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who rejoined the Pats this offseason.

“Maye began OTAs as the No. 3 quarterback behind Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe. He has quickly moved up to No. 2 after minicamp. Brissett is expected to start training camp as the starter after signing a one-year, $8 million contract,” Diamond wrote.

 

 

Diamond notes, however, that New England is facing a tough schedule in the first six weeks of the new season, with all their opponents expected to fight for a spot in the postseason in 2024. Diamond expects a rough start for Brissett, which will ultimately lead to Maye taking over the helm mid-season:

“There’s not much pressure on a new coach in Mayo to play Maye immediately, considering the low expectations for the Patriots, who are coming off a 4-13 season and play in the tough AFC East.

Brissett gets the nod early, but after a likely 1-4 or 0-5 start, the switch is made to Maye so he can accelerate his development by getting regular-season experience,” Diamond predicted.

All in all, the former GM believes Maye will be New England’s QB1 by Week 6.

 

 

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