In the aftermath of the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots surprised their fans by selecting not one but two quarterbacks. Tennessee Volunteers’ Joe Milton III was chosen as a sixth-round pick, following the acquisition of North Carolina Tar Heels’ Drake Maye with the third overall choice.
This bold move puzzled many, leaving Patriots fans and analysts questioning the team’s strategy. Chris Mason, New England Patriots beat writer for MassLive, tackled this issue head-on in a recent mailbag, providing insights into the club’s quarterback revamp.
Jerod Mayo’s Vision, Fresh Starts, and New Faces
“New England’s quarterback room wasn’t the world’s most harmonious place over the past two seasons, so I think [head coach Jerod Mayo] is looking for a fresh start,” Mason explained, illuminating Mayo’s desire to reshape the team’s dynamics. The New England Patriots had already traded away Mac Jones and released Nathan Rourke, creating a clear path for new talent.
The arrival of Maye, alongside veteran Jacoby Brissett and Milton, ushers in an era where the quarterback room is injected with fresh energy and competitive spirit. However, some fans remain concerned about how these two rookies will fit into the team’s current needs.
Drake Maye vs. Jacoby Brissett, The Competition for QB1
While some believe that Maye, the No. 3 overall pick, should be groomed as a backup to Brissett for at least part of the season, Mayo plans to let the rookie compete directly with Brissett during the summer. Should Maye falter, Bailey Zappe could emerge as an emergency solution if Brissett faces an unexpected injury. However, Mason speculates that Zappe might not even make the final roster.
The pressure is on for Maye to prove he’s ready for live NFL defenses. Still, critics argue that New England’s offensive line and receiving corps are not strong enough to shield a rookie quarterback, making Brissett a safer starting option for Week 1.
The best of Drake Maye's rookie minicamp with the New England Patriots https://t.co/41JvfiGxhi pic.twitter.com/yRxQgijpcg
— Tar Heels Wire (@tarheelswire) May 12, 2024
Joe Milton III, From Quarterback to Versatile Playmaker?
Joe Milton III’s selection as a sixth-round pick was a calculated gamble. Eliot Wolf, the New England Patriots’ de facto general manager, noted that Milton had “too much talent in him to pass that up,” despite his raw potential. However, there’s skepticism over whether he’ll see meaningful snaps anytime soon.
Mason provides a potential alternative path for Milton: “Milton clocked a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, he can broad jump over 10 feet, and has [a] wingspan that measures 80 inches,” he highlighted. Though Milton initially rejected the idea of changing positions, he may reconsider it as a way to secure playing time.
The New England Patriots Long-Term Bet
The New England Patriots’ decision to draft two quarterbacks reveals a high-stakes strategy focused on long-term success rather than immediate results. With the franchise moving on from its recent quarterback woes, Maye, Brissett, and Milton represent new beginnings.
Whether Milton pivots positions to contribute in other ways or remains a development project behind Maye and Brissett, this trio sets up an intriguing future for the New England offense.
