Patriots All-Pro’s thoughts on Drake Maye point to superstar future in New England

The New England Patriots seem to know they got a good one in the 2024 NFL Draft.

With the third pick last April, the Patriots nabbed Drake Maye to be their franchise quarterback. Thankfully, Maye showed a ton of promise in his rookie season, giving the 4-13 Patriots reason to be excited about 2025.

How good was Maye as a first-timer learning the ropes? Let his teammates tell the tale.

Christian Gonzalez, the 22-year-old Patriots corner who preceded Maye as the Patriots’ first-round selection in 2023, raved about his signal-caller when asked about him during a conversation with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden.

“I think Drake’s that boy. I mean, he can make a lot of throws,” Gonzalez said in an appearance on Gruden Goes Long. “I personally didn’t know how athletic he was—like how fast he was—what he can bring to the table as a runner, and he just likes to compete. I mean we go at it in practice, he talked a lot more talk than people think too, but I’m excited for him.”

Maye had an excellent debut season in all respects. He totaled over 2,700 passing and rushing yards in 12 starts with a 58.6 QBR, and was even named to the Pro Bowl as a last-minute replacement.

“He had a good year,” Gonzalez said. “Excited to see him take that step next year.”

Gonzalez had a breakout year in his own right, earning a second-team All-Pro selection after rebounding from a torn labrum that cost him three-quarters of his rookie season. He was also voted fifth place for the Comeback Player of the Year Award.

With players so young at premium positions on both sides of the ball, the Patriots are clearly building a solid foundation. Now, both Maye and Gonzalez need help, which New England will have to provide through free agency and the draft.