What Former NFL MVP Told Drake Maye After Patriots Practice

Matt Ryan has been in Drake Maye’s shoes.

Like Maye this year, Ryan was selected with the third overall pick in the NFL draft back in 2008. While the Boston College product started from the get-go in Atlanta, he understands the pressure Maye faces of being viewed as a potential franchise savior in wake of a legend’s departure.

Ryan, who now serves as a CBS NFL analyst, attended a Patriots training camp last week and caught up with Maye after practice. The 2016 MVP later revealed to WBZ’s Dan Roche what he told the rookie quarterback.

“I’d take it day by day. That’s exactly what I told him after practice,” Ryan told Roche. “I’ve gotten to know Drake a little bit. He’s a really good guy and has a good head on his shoulders. But it’s hard, right? You’re going to have days where you feel like it’s not going well. But you’ve gotta keep coming back with the same type of attitude, same type of intensity and see that little progression grow. Before you know it, you’re going to be comfortable. That’s what it takes. It just takes hard work day in and day out.”

Unlike Ryan with the Falcons, Maye is expected to have ample development time before he’s given the keys to the offense. Jacoby Brissett has been established as New England’s starting quarterback, and Jerod Mayo likely won’t give the job to Maye until he knows he’s ready.

It remains to be seen when that transition will take place. But if Maye heeds Ryan’s advice, he should be prepared for the moment whenever his number is called.