Drake Maye, the promising quarterback from North Carolina and the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is making waves early in his career, sparking comparisons to Josh Allen. As Maye steps into his sophomore NFL season with the New England Patriots, experts believe the young quarterback may already be outpacing where Allen stood at the same stage, especially with improved offensive line support bolstering his performance.

Josh Allen, drafted seventh overall in 2018 by the Buffalo Bills, began his NFL career with raw talent but uneven college credentials from Wyoming. His rookie season was a challenge, completing just over half of his passes and recording 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Over time, Allen blossomed into a two-time MVP recognized for his arm strength and dual-threat ability. Meanwhile, Maye entered the league with a more polished profile, leading the NCAA in total offense as a rookie with a 66.6% completion rate, 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Allen himself has publicly acknowledged Maye’s potential and character.

High Praise from Josh Allen Highlights Maye’s Growing Reputation

Josh Allen has openly expressed admiration for Drake Maye’s skillset and approach to the game. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Allen stated,

“I think Drake is super talented, he’s one of my favorite young quarterbacks in the league,”

emphasizing the respect he holds for Maye’s play style and determination. He added,

“I’ve spent some time around him. He exemplifies football. He’ll take it and run, he’ll throw it.”

This recognition from an established star quarterback underscores the similarities they share in size, dual-threat capabilities, and leadership qualities, serving as an encouraging sign for Maye’s future in the league.

Further fueling the conversation about Maye’s rise, NFL analyst Greg Bedard made a striking statement during the June 25 episode of the Greg Bedard Patriots Podcast. Bedard confidently claimed,

“I expect him to get better. I think Drake Maye is way ahead of where Josh Allen was when he came into the NFL, and you have to remember how young Drake Maye is, I mean, he just turned or is about to turn 22.”

Bedard’s evaluation points to a significant leap in Maye’s readiness, attributing this to his youth and early development.

Greg also highlighted the impact of coaching, noting,

“I just want to see improvement…I think he’s gonna be helped out by Josh McDaniels.”

This nod to the Patriots offensive coordinator suggests that expert guidance will be critical to unlocking Maye’s full potential in the upcoming season.

Challenges Maye Faces Compared to Allen’s Rookie Campaign

Josh Allen’s early NFL career included the difficulty of competing in the AFC East against established teams such as the New England Patriots, led at the time by Tom Brady. Allen’s rookie struggles were notable but part of a long road toward eventual superstardom. In contrast, Maye’s entry into the league benefits from several advantageous factors, including a more supportive offensive line and a coaching staff focused on development.

However, Maye is far from guaranteed success, as NFL careers are shaped by performance, adaptability, and surrounding team strength. The Patriots, under the leadership of head coach Mike Vrabel—who returned for another term to stabilize and strengthen the team—have made intentional moves to support Maye’s growth. Vrabel’s focus has been on identifying weaknesses and making strategic improvements, an approach that could be pivotal for the young quarterback’s trajectory.

Upgraded Offensive Line Aims to Shield Maye and Boost His Performance

Drake Maye’s rookie season exposed vulnerability to pressure, having been sacked 34 times over 13 games and facing 158 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Some weeks saw nearly half of his dropbacks under pressure, testing his resilience. To address this, the Patriots revamped their offensive line in the offseason to provide Maye with stronger protection.

The team signed veteran offensive tackle Morgan Moses to a three-year, $24 million contract as part of a comprehensive line upgrade. In 2024, Moses allowed just two sacks in 467 pass-blocking snaps, demonstrating a low pressure rate of 3.4%. His reliability and experience are expected to anchor the right side of the line, offering Maye more time to execute plays.

Adding youth and potential alongside experience, the Patriots drafted Will Campbell from LSU, a promising offensive tackle with top grades but lingering concerns about fit due to his arm length. Analyst Trevor Sikkema commented,

“I am a believer in Will Campbell at offensive tackle, but a contingency plan should be in place.”

The Patriots are banking on Campbell’s fundamentals and toughness to translate into NFL success, though there is flexibility to move him inside if necessary.

Maye’s Career Path: Emerging Star or Next-Level Legend?

The question looming over the Patriots’ fanbase and NFL analysts alike is whether Drake Maye will follow Josh Allen’s path towards MVP stardom or forge a distinct legacy of his own. Maye’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and precision places him in elite company early on. The early endorsements, offensive schemes, and line support contribute to an environment conducive to growth.

Although the young quarterback is still at the start of his career, the trajectory suggests that if Maye continues to refine his skills and stays healthy under his new offensive line, he may evolve into one of the league’s brightest quarterbacks. Josh Allen’s journey from raw rookie to superstar offers a hopeful blueprint but time and results will ultimately determine Maye’s standing.

For now, the Patriots and their supporters are watching closely as their franchise quarterback develops under a revamped coaching staff and a fortified offensive front, poised to transform Drake Maye’s promise into on-field achievement.