The New England Patriots have been searching for their next star quarterback since Tom Brady’s departure, and it seems like they may have finally found their guy. At least, that’s the opinion of former Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman.
During an appearance on FOX, Edelman couldn’t help but rave about Drake Maye, a rookie quarterback who has been turning heads in training camp. Edelman, known for his high standards and tough criticism of his former team, had nothing but praise for the young QB stating, “The Patriots are for real, and I’m very critical of this team. But in the last four weeks, Maye has been playing at an elite level.”
Coming from Edelman, this is high praise indeed. The former wide receiver was an integral part of the Patriots’ success during his 12-year career, most notably helping them win three Super Bowl titles. He knows what it takes to be a champion, so when he speaks highly of a player, it’s worth taking note.
So who is this Drake Maye, and what makes him stand out to Edelman? Let’s take a closer look at the young quarterback who has caught the attention of a Super Bowl MVP.
Maye was a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, ranked as the number two pro-style quarterback in the country by 247Sports. He originally committed to play at the University of Alabama, but ultimately changed his mind and chose to play at North Carolina, where he redshirted his first year.
Last season, Maye appeared in four games for the Tar Heels, completing 4 out of 5 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. While these numbers may not seem impressive, it’s worth noting that he was playing behind starter Sam Howell, who is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
But it’s Maye’s work ethic and determination that have caught the attention of Edelman and the Patriots organization. He has been putting in the extra hours on the field, in the film room, and in the weight room. His coaches and teammates have taken notice, with head coach Mack Brown saying, “He’s a student of the game, he’s a hard worker, and he’s got a lot of talent.”
Talent alone does not guarantee success in the NFL. It takes a combination of talent, drive, and the ability to handle pressure, something Maye seems to excel at. Edelman, who knows a thing or two about handling pressure, sees this in the confident young quarterback.
But it’s not just Edelman who has taken notice of Maye. Teammates and other players have also been singing his praises, with All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore saying, “He’s got great arm strength and good accuracy. He’s going to be a good one.”
Of course, it’s still early days, and Maye has yet to prove himself in a regular-season NFL game. But his performance in training camp has been impressive, and if he continues on this trajectory, he may just become the Patriots’ next franchise quarterback.
But for now, Maye is just focused on learning and improving every day. He knows he has big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of legends like Tom Brady and Drew Bledsoe. And while he feels the pressure, he also sees it as a challenge that he is ready to rise to.
For the Patriots and their fans, it’s encouraging to hear Edelman speak so highly of the team’s young quarterback. Maye may just be the answer to their quarterback woes, and with a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, he has the support he needs to succeed.
So as the preseason progresses and Maye continues to impress, it’s safe to say that Patriots fans have reason to be excited and optimistic about the future. With Julian Edelman raving about his potential, the sky’s the limit for this young quarterback.
