What Josh McDaniels Thinks About Drake Maye’s Skills and Development

Josh McDaniels, renowned for his extensive tenure as the offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick and a brief stint as the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach, is currently out of a coaching position for the 2024 season. With time on his hands, he’s engaging in football discussions like any other fan.

In a recent guest spot on Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast, McDaniels shared his insights on the Patriots’ newest quarterback, Drake Maye, whom they selected third overall from North Carolina.

When asked about Maye’s potential fit with New England, McDaniels expressed curiosity about how the rookie’s style will evolve. He pondered whether Maye might incorporate a running game similar to Josh Allen’s approach in Buffalo, given his athleticism and attributes.

McDaniels commended Maye for his early ability to maneuver within the pocket—a skill not all young quarterbacks immediately master. He emphasized the rookie’s impressive physical presence and agility, which offer the Patriots strategic options.

Although Maye’s talent is evident, he won’t be starting this season right away. Head coach Jerod Mayo has noted that while Maye outperformed current starter Jacoby Brissett in the preseason, the team’s less-than-stellar offensive line might be a factor in this decision. For the time being, Maye will continue to refine his skills in practice, with the possibility of stepping onto the field later in the year.