Concerns mount for Drake Maye as Patriots QB gets outplayed by Joe Milton through six "ugly" practices
The New England Patriots drafted quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in this year's draft. Maye is expected to be the franchise quarterback as the Patriots start a new chapter with Jerod Mayo as coach.
However, Maye has struggled throughout the first week of training camp as quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Joe Milton show signs of stability at the position.
During the most recent practice, Maye went just one for five during 11-on-11 drills. He was then just two for six during seven-on-seven drills.
Joe Milton, a sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee, outdueled Maye at a certain point during training camp. Milton took the majority of third-team reps over Bailey Zappe and went four for five in 11-on-11 drills. Maye has also had miscues with his offense which has caused fumbled snaps and interceptions.
Brissett was signed by the New England Patriots to give a veteran presence in the quarterback room and mentor Maye. The rookie still has a few weeks to work out the kinks and there is sure to be a learning curve during the rookie season. However, there is certainly cause for concern in New England.
Bill Belichick's draft night evaluation of QB Drake Maye proves to be accurate
Since Bill Belichick's tenure with the New England Patriots ended in January, he has tried his hand at a role in the media. On draft night in April, Belichick was a guest co-host on The Pat McAfee Show during a special primetime episode.
Belichick gave his take on the draft prospects and when the New England Patriots drafted Drake Maye, he gave his candid take.
A few months later, Belichick's words appear to be ringing true:
"He's going to need some work in reading defenses, reading coverages. He's kind of quick to bail out of the pocket. He's going to have to hang in there a little bit longer and find those receivers."
Belichick also reviewed a video of Maye against the Clemson Tigers during his collegiate career where he struggled to get a receiver open in less than 10 yards.
The former Patriots coach noted that in the NFL, Maye wouldn't have much yardage to work with and will need to be patient in the pocket.
Drake Maye has struggled in the pocket through the first week and the urge to get rid of the ball has caused him to make big mistakes.