Patriots Fans Should Feel Robbed After Seeing Non-Drake Maye Rookies Impress

The New England Patriots only played Drake Maye one series in his preseason debut, which allowed him to be overshadowed by the other first-round quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class.

Maye played seven snaps against the Carolina Panthers. The 21-year-old went 2-for-3 for 19 yards, and while he showed small signs of development, it was not enough for the Gillette Stadium crowd who booed Bailey Zappe when the third-year signal-caller stepped in for the rookie.

Patriots fans should rightfully feel cheated that they didn’t see more from Maye as the other five quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft showed something their respective fanbases could boast about.

Caleb Williams started for the Chicago Bears and played two series against the Buffalo Bills. The top selection of the 2024 draft went 4-for-7 for 95 yards and showed off his legs with a run for 13 yards. His best throw came on a play-action rollout where he threaded the needle for a completion he made look very easy.

Jayden Daniels started for the Washington Commanders against the New York Jets. While the No. 2 overall pick only played one series and went 2-for-3 for 45 yards, he showed off his arm talent when he hit Dyami Brown on a 42-yard deep ball. Daniels scored a three-yard touchdown off a zone read to showcase his dual-threat ability.

Michael Penix Jr. got an extended runout in his preseason debut. He started and played five series in the Atlanta Falcons’ matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The No. 8 pick completed nine of his 16 passes for 104 yards and showed his willingness to chuck the ball downfield.

J.J. McCarthy didn’t start for the Minnesota Vikings, but after he came on for Sam Darnold, he played seven series. The No. 10 overall pick completed 11 of his 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the Las Vegas Raiders. He also ran twice for 18 yards. While it wasn’t a perfect preseason debut for the Michigan product, he was dealing last weekend and showed why he’s an ideal fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

Bo Nix also didn’t start for the Denver Broncos, but the No. 12 pick played five series after he came on for former Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham. The Oregon product went 15-of-21 passing for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also added three rushes for 17 yards. Nix was efficient and showed off his arm strength in his preseason debut.

This was preseason, and it’s not a clean predictor of actual NFL success. But New England hasn’t given fans much to be excited about this season; it’s arguably given supporters more to be sad about after its failed run at Brandon Aiyuk. A Maye showcase could have alleviated fears or concerns after his lackluster training camp practices.

Head coach Jerod Mayo noted there was a plan for Maye, and he teased the rookie could play more against the Philadelphia Eagles in the team’s second preseason game. Fans will hope they get to see something from Maye they can brag to other fanbases about.