Drake Maye made a notable impact during his rookie year with the New England Patriots, displaying both passing and rushing prowess. Selected third overall, Maye started 12 games and threw 15 touchdown passes while surpassing 2,000 passing yards. In addition to his arm talent, he contributed 421 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, highlighting his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. His style of play naturally drew attention and sparked comparisons to Buffalo Bills MVP Josh Allen, a leading figure in the AFC East and a phenomenally athletic QB.
Maye Responds to Comparisons with Measured Humility
Despite the buzz around his performances, Maye quickly dismissed the parallels drawn between him and Allen when questioned on the subject. On the podcast Bussin’ With the Boys, Maye expressed a grounded perspective about the lofty comparisons.
“I think the comparisons… [Well,] I got a lot of work to do. With even being in the same stratosphere or atmosphere as Josh,”
Maye admitted, emphasizing his respect for Allen and his own focus on growth.
His cautious stance is sensible, especially as Maye and the Patriots prepare to face Allen and the Bills twice in the upcoming season. Avoiding unnecessary hype maintains professionalism and keeps team dynamics focused on on-field competition rather than media-driven narratives. Maye underscored his desire to forge his own path, stating plainly,
“I’m just trying to be myself. And if, hey, some people think that, I mean, that’s a lot of respect for him, but I got a lot of work to do for that.”
From UNC Prospect to Emerging NFL Quarterback
Coming out of UNC, some analysts doubted Maye’s potential due to the ACC’s perceived level of competition. However, his rookie performance has steadily earned respect, revealing traits of a promising quarterback capable of growth in the professional ranks. His composed media presence and self-awareness further suggest maturity beyond his years, which will be critical as he navigates the difficulties of the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL spotlight and tough divisional rivals like Buffalo.
Maye’s Competitive Spirit Extends Beyond Football
When the topic shifted away from football to a hypothetical 1-on-1 basketball game, Maye displayed a confident edge and dropped his humble tone.
“I’ll take myself in hoops, for sure,”
he declared, highlighting a different facet of his athletic ability. This confidence is rooted in his solid basketball background from high school, where he averaged nearly 14 points per game as a sophomore and increased that to 16 points by his junior year. Although he did not play his senior year, opting for early college enrollment at UNC, his basketball credentials underscore his overall athleticism.
Insights Shared by Host Taylor Lewan on Maye’s Pre-Draft Routine
Taylor Lewan, the host of the podcast, relayed a story from Maye’s pre-draft experience that showcased the young quarterback’s composure and willingness to take risks. Lewan recalled,
“So, Drake, it was in Detroit, right? The day before he gets drafted, first round pick by the New England Patriots, he’s at an indoor gym in a YMCA playing pickup basketball with a bunch of gen pop. Just trying to get some work in.”
This anecdote illustrates Maye’s determination to keep calm before a major career milestone, even if it involved some risk. Engaging in a physically demanding activity like pickup basketball just before draft day could have jeopardized his selection, but Maye prioritized maintaining a routine that helped him manage the pressure.
Maye Represents the Growing Trend of Dual-Threat Quarterbacks in the NFL
Though Maye is not yet on the level of Josh Allen in performance or reputation, the parallels in athletic capability and playing style are difficult to ignore. Maye’s ability to extend plays with his legs alongside his arm talent puts him among a growing class of quarterbacks who blend mobility with traditional passing skills. The NFL’s evolving preference for dual-threat, mobile QBs underlines the importance of players like Maye, who bring energy and adaptability to the position.
As Maye continues to develop, his growth will be closely watched given the increasing emphasis on quarterbacks who can impact games both through the air and on the ground. With tough divisional matchups ahead and high expectations set by the Patriots organization, how Maye refines his game will determine if he can rise to the status of an elite signal-caller like Allen or carve out a unique identity in the league.