With the evaporation of success for the Patriots, especially on the offensive side of the football, any talk of underrated sleepers who could break out in the 2024 NFL season will be met with enthusiasm in New England.
Patriots’ QB Drake Maye shouldn’t get the ‘Mahomes treatment’
Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Because of the incredible success Kansas City had by sitting Patrick Mahomes for his rookie season, it’s understandable when teams want to take that route with their rookie signal caller.
But the NFL’s moniker of “Not For Long” applies to every position. And fans aren’t exactly the most patient bunch. Throw in the fact Maye has outstanding potential, and the odds land on him taking over behind center sooner than later.
Maye likely won’t start in Week 1, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see that change before the calendar gets deep into October.
First, Maye is an athlete, who is quick for his for 6-foot-4, 223-pound frame. Defenses will have to account for his ability to make plays with his feet. He also has elite potential with arm strength. The ability to stretch defenses creates room underneath for his receivers. He’s an accurate thrower, and has displayed good touch.
All of these things add up to a quarterback who can succeed at the NFL level. If the Patriots’ offensive line can give him reasonable time to operate, Maye can move the Patriots’ offense.
As with any young quarterback, Maye will have to fight the urge to force things. And this is already an issue for him coming into the league. His biggest challenge will be avoiding the game-changing interceptions when throwing the ball away is the best option.
Opportunity abounds for Patriots’ WR Javon Baker
New England tore things down at the wide receiver position, which means the rookies enter with more level footing.
First up at the training table will be Ja’Lynn Polk, the No. 37 pick overall out of Washington. But Baker — picked in the fourth round (110 overall) out of Central Florida — has the tools to make an impact, too.
Baker began his college career at Alabama, a testament to his skill level. He eventually found success at Central Florida, racking up 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
The 6-1, 202-pounder has NFL size along with high marks in the ability to high-point the football and his intermediate route running. He’s not a burner, but physical receivers who can make catches in traffic tend to get Red Zone targets. And those lead to touchdowns.
Another thing that helps Baker is a potential complementary role with Polk, who will likely fill a role as a Z receiver or a slot. Baker is a classic X receiver, who can make plays on the outside.
The Patriots brought in three rookies who could be New England heroes before the 2024 season ends.
Douglas Fritz has been writing about sports for almost four decades and publishes a Christian sports newsletter and podcast on Substack at Matthew516Sports. He started as a reporter for the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University, worked his way up to Editor-In-Chief, and began his sports writing career at the Johnson City Press daily newspaper while still in college. During 30-plus years at the Press, he covered University of Tennessee football, men’s and women’s basketball, ETSU athletics, and high school athletics. Among the people he has interviewed are Dale Murphy, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, and Bruce Smith. He is also a Christian-based screenwriter (five feature-length and one short), book writer (three completed manuscripts and one novel), and songwriter.
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