Patriots have top quarterback prospect ‘squarely on their radar’
The lying season continues.
It’s not ESPN’s Mike Reiss who is lying, because he is most certainly relaying information he got from a well-placed source. That, or he’s seeing what everyone else is seeing in plain sight. Either way, it’s easy to peg the New England Patriots as a destination for top quarterback prospect Drake Maye.
MORE: Jayden Daniels wasn’t the Patriots’ only meeting at the LSU pro day
“North Carolina QB Drake Maye, who is among those the Patriots could be considering with the No. 3 overall pick, impressed first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. He’s squarely on the team’s radar if he is available,” Reiss wrote as part of the rumblings around the league from the NFL owners meetings in Orlando. So, clearly, a huge Patriots contingent should’ve been expected at the UNC Pro Day on Thursday.
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 07: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after throwing for a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the second half of their game at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 40-7. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
That is most certainly the case. According to Patriots will meet with UNC QB Drake Maye ahead of his Pro Day this AM, per sources. Nine guys from New England in Chapel Hill today: Eliot Wolf, Jerod Mayo, Alex Van Pelt, Matt Groh, Pat Stewart, Alonzo Highsmith, TC McCartney, Ben McAdoo & Matt Evans (8 of 9 were also at LSU).
Mayo had no shortage of praise for Maye, who has long been considered one of the two or three best QB prospects in the 2024 draft class, when he spoke at the annual coaches breakfast earlier this week.
“Drake Maye had a fantastic interview at the combine. He brings a lot of energy. You can tell he has that leadership ability,” Mayo said. “And, you know, also, the exciting part about a guy like Drake Maye is the ceiling, there is really no ceiling with a guy like that.
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“Now, in saying that, when we’re trying to put together this roster, I know a lot of people look at the ceiling, but you also got to kind of see, how low is the floor? And, I would say a guy like Drake Maye, he has a lot of room to grow. He’s a young guy. Honestly, he hasn’t played football nearly as much as these other guys. So, that’s definitely something that we’ve looked at. But he definitely is going to develop.”
If the Patriots do end up drafting Maye, it sounds like Mayo is mentally preparing New England for the kid to sit on the bench to start his career. If the Patriots are NOT planning on taking Maye, which would likely have to be at the No. 3 pick, then Mayo is being brutally honest about his bust potential.
With all that in mind, it’s unclear how firmly Maye is actually on the Patriots’ radar, and for what reasons. But the team is obviously putting forth some due diligence in meeting with him and watching him work out at the UNC Pro Day. It’s just a matter of parsing out the truth between all the reporting – and especially all the yapping straight from guys’ mouths – that spills into the football world this time of year.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Mike Lockhart's NFL Mock Draft filled with bold predictions, surprises
Mike Lockhart, Draft expert on the Toucher & Hardy radio program, shares his Mock Draft filled with surprises and bold predictions!
The Combine is over, Pro Days are ongoing, and the NFL draft is approaching. On Thursday, April 25th, players will hear their names called over three days in Detroit, Michigan. The Chicago Bears are on the clock, with two first-round selections.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans passes the ball during the first half of a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
After trading Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, it’s a good bet that Caleb Williams will be the first off the boards. Following him, Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Marvin Harrison will be waiting for their turns. The Arizona Cardinals also have two selections in the first round and hold the most picks with 13 overall. The Minnesota Vikings recently acquired an extra pick and are rumored to be moving up to get a quarterback, possibly leapfrogging the New York Giants and trading up with the Chargers. There could be as many as five quarterbacks taken in the first round. The Offensive Line has a ton of depth, and many linemen will be taken on Day One. Joe Alt from Notre Dame could be the first of the group called. Wide Receiver will be a common selection on Thursday night, with three of them potentially taken in the top ten and the rest scattered throughout the first round. Cornerback is a strong position this year, with Alabama boasting a couple of players who may go early in Terrion Arnold and the intriguingly named Kool-Aid McKinistry. Running backs are not expected to be called on day one this year, unlike the previous year when Bijan Robinson went to Atlanta. The tight end position is not highly projected to be taken, but Brock Bowers is an exception and may go early on day one. Pass-rushing prospects are relatively scarce this year, with only a few expected to be drafted in the first round. Dallas Turner from Alabama should go in the top 15, while Laiata Latu is expected to go a little later. Notably, Carolina, Houston, and Cleveland currently do not have first-round picks.
1.) Chicago - Caleb Williams - Quarterback - University of Southern California
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 02: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans throws a touchdown pass against the Tulane Green Wave in the second quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 02, 2023 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Williams is a smooth athlete who can make big plays on the move. He’s accurate and doesn’t turn the ball over much. He seemed to force the ball more this past season. There have been reports that Williams wasn’t very well-liked by his teammates. He has the ability to be a good NFL quarterback.
2.) Washington - Jayden Daniels - Quarterback - Louisiana State University
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 11: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Scooby Williams #17 of the Florida Gators falls during the first half at Tiger Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels had a very good Freshman season at Arizona State. He spent 2 more years there and transferred to LSU. Jayden had a good season and then exploded in 2023. He ran and passed all over his opponents, totaling 50 touchdowns. Daniels has a very strong arm. He has blazing speed and weighed in at 210 lbs at LSU’s pro day, more than some thought he might. Many times, he was quick to tuck the ball and run. If the Heisman winner can let plays develop and run less, it could lengthen his career.
3.) New England - Drake Maye - Quarterback - University of North Carolina
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a North Carolina Tar Heels touchdown in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Drake Maye is a former 5-star commit to Alabama. He ended up staying at home and becoming a Tar Heel. Maye has good size at 6’4” 223 lbs with room to grow. He’s athletic and can convert first downs with his feet. He can escape the pocket and make deep throws. Maye has the ability to make circus throws when he’s in trouble. Maye can throw a deep strike off his back foot. Sometimes, the things that make him great can lead to terrible turnovers. If Maye can get some good weapons around him, he has a chance to succeed. He would be helped with a year on the bench, fixing his footwork and letting him develop as a pro.
Arizona - Marvin Harrison - Wide Receiver - Ohio State University
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 31: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding this pick as a trade target. In my opinion, it would be a foolish move to not pair Kyler Murray with Harrison. Arizona addressed the offensive line in free agency. Michael Wilson showed a lot of promise, and Trey McBride looks like a legit tight end.
Los Angeles - Malik Nabers - Louisiana State University
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Malik Nabers #8 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball as Jacoby Mathews #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies defends during the first half at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Chargers cleaned house at the receiver position. In 13 games this past season, Nabers failed to reach 100 yards only four times. Nabers had five multi-touchdown games. He’s 6’0” and 200 lbs. Nabers showed off elite athleticism at LSU’s pro day.
6.) New York Giants - Joe Alt - Offensive Tackle - Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – APRIL 22: Joe Alt #76 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on during the Notre Dame Blue-Gold Spring Football Game at Notre Dame Stadium on April 22, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Giants have a lot of holes to fill. Quarterback could be addressed here if they love JJ McCarthy. Joe Alt seems like a good start for a team that desperately needs better protection upfront. Alt is one of the safer picks in this draft. Receiver could be a serious option here. The Giants have one of the weakest receiving rooms in the league.
7.) Tennessee - Brock Bowers - Tight End - University of Georgia
AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 30: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring the go-ahead touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tennessee signed Calvin Ridley this offseason to go along with DeAndre Hopkins. Adding Bowers will give the Titans a legit playmaker at tight end. Bowers is one of the best pass-catching tight end prospects ever. He’s tough to bring down and finds open field well. He’s a decent blocker.
8.) Atlanta - Dallas Turner - Linebacker/Defensive End - University of Alabama
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Dallas Turner #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Signing Kirk Cousins was a huge piece for the offense. They’ve drafted tight end, receiver, running back, and offensive line successfully over the last few seasons. Now it’s time to hit on defense. Turner is a 6 ‘4” 251 lb edge rusher, a team captain who racked up 14.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks.
9.) Chicago - Rome Odunze - Wide Receiver - University of Washington
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 01: Rome Odunze #1 of the Washington Huskies reacts during the first half against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
After drafting a quarterback, Chicago gets a young dominant receiver with great size at 6’3” 217 lbs. 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns with 96 receptions in 2023. He has elite quickness in short breaking routes.
10.) New York Jets - Olu Fashanu - Offensive Tackle - Penn State
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 23: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after an offensive touchdown during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Beaver Stadium on September 23, 2023 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Jets need an upgrade at the tackle position. At 6 ‘6” 317 lbs, Fashanu has great size and was a team captain and academic at Penn State. Quality pass protector and solid in the run game.
11.) Minnesota - JJ McCarthy - Quarterback - University of Michigan
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 25: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines scrambles against Jordan Hancock #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter in the game at Michigan Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After Kirk Cousins walked, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold. Darnold could be a short-term starter, giving McCarthy time to develop a little more.
12.) Denver - Quinyon Mitchell - Cornerback - University of Toledo
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 01: Quinyon Mitchell #DB27 of Toledo participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Mitchell started 40 games at Toledo. He stood out during Senior Bowl week and then went to the combine and stood out again. 2022 and 2023 all-Mac team. 2023 AP 2nd team all-American.
13.) Las Vegas - JC Latham - Offensive Tackle - University of Alabama
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 02: JC Latham #65 and Roydell Williams #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide react after a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
JC Latham is a true right tackle. He will immediately upgrade the offensive line. Latham is a monster at 6’6” 259 lbs. He’s a great run blocker and quality pass protector.
14.) New Orleans - Terrion Arnold - Cornerback - University of Alabama
AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Rivaldo Fairweather #13 of the Auburn Tigers fails to pull in this reception as he is hit by Jihaad Campbell #30 and Terrion Arnold #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Arnold is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft. AP All-American and first team SEC. 17 pass breakups and 5 interceptions this year.
15.) Indianapolis - Brian Thomas Jr - Wide Receiver - Louisiana State University
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 01: Brian Thomas Jr. #11 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch during the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers at Raymond James Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Thomas Jr on the other side of Michael Pittman would be a dream for Anthony Richardson. Thomas is a tall receiver who can go up and get the ball. He led FBS with 17 touchdowns.
16.) Seattle - Amarius Mims - Offensive Tackle - University of Georgia
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 31: Amarius Mims #65 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Mims is a huge right tackle prospect at 6’8” 340 lbs. He’s athletic and a very good blocker. Seattle needs to upgrade the tackle position.
17.) Jacksonville - Nate Wiggins - Cornerback - Clemson University
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 23: Keon Coleman #4 of the Florida State Seminoles and Nate Wiggins #2 of the Clemson Tigers compete for a catch late in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
Wiggins was the fastest cornerback at the combine, running a 4.28 40-yard dash. He’s 6’2” with great length, a great cover corner who doesn’t add much in the run game.
18.) Cincinnati - Jared Verse - Defensive End - Florida State University
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 07: Defensive lineman Jared Verse #5 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates after a big play during the second half of their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Talented Edge defender who can rush and defend. The type of player who can control the game at times.
19.) Los Angeles Rams - Byron Murphy - Defensive Tackle - University of Texas
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 29: Byron Murphy #DL18 of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 29, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Aaron Donald’s retirement has left a gaping hole in the Rams’ defensive line. Byron Murphy can move the pocket and shut down holes opening in the run game.
20.) Pittsburgh - Jackson Powers-Johnson - Center - University of Oregon
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 14: Jackson Powers-Johnson #58 of the Oregon Ducks prepares for a snap against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
One of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs is Center. Powers-Johnson was the Rimington award winner for the nation’s top Center.
21.) Miami - Taliese Fuaga - Offensive Lineman - Oregon State
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 02: Taliese Fuaga #OL24 of the Oregon State Beavers speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Miami lost a lot from their roster this year. They need to add to the offensive and defensive line. Started at Right tackle for Oregon State.
22.) Philadelphia - Laiata Latu - Defensive End - UCLA
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Laiatu Latu #15 of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Latu is a top pass-rushing prospect. An injury almost cost him his career early at Washington, and he missed two seasons (2020-2021). Latu transferred to UCLA in 2022 and had 12.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks.
23.) Minnesota - Cooper DeJean - University of Iowa
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 7: Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled during the first half by defensive back Anthony Brown #24 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Kinnick Stadium on October 7, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Cooper DeJean played all over for Iowa. He may end up at safety for the Vikings. He’s tough and a good pass defender. DeJean is also an excellent kick returner. A broken leg ended his 2023 season.
24.) Dallas - Tyler Guyton - Offensive Tackle - University of Oklahoma
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: Tyler Guyton #OL31 of Oklahoma participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Dallas needs to add depth to the line. Guyton plays right tackle. He can have a lot of trouble with pass rushers. Big athletic prospect. Seems a bit too eager to rely on size over technique at times.
25.) Green Bay - Troy Fautanu - Offensive Lineman - University of Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 19: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Husky Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Green Bay adds a left tackle. Fautanu is athletic and big. He has experience at guard.
26.) Tampa Bay - Kool-Aid McKinstry - Cornerback - University of Alabama
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 02: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 27-24 in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 02, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tampa lost Carl Davis via free agency. Tampa adds to the position and gets 6’1” cornerback with long arms and 3 years of starting experience.
27.) Arizona - Kris Jenkins - Defensive Lineman - University of Michigan
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Kris Jenkins #94 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Son of dominant defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. He was a three-year starter at Michigan. He can bounce all over the line for Arizona.
28.) Buffalo - Xavier Legette - Wide Receiver - University of South Carolina
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 02: Marcus Allen #29 of the North Carolina Tar Heels breaks up a pass to Xavier Legette #17 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half of the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. North Carolina won 31-17. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Legette will fill the role lost with the departure of Gabe Davis. He’s not the best route runner. At his best when the ball is in the air. At 6’1” 221 lbs, he’ll be tough to bring down.
29.) Detroit - Graham Barton - Offensive Lineman - Duke University
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 02: Graham Barton #OL06 of the Duke Blue Devils speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Barton started at Left Tackle at Duke for three seasons. He got good experience at Center as a freshman. Graham will kick into guard at the NFL due to length issues. He should start immediately for Detroit.
30.) Baltimore - Jordan Morgan - Offensive Tackle - University of Arizona
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Morgan is a long-armed tackle who locks onto defenders in the passing game. He’s athletic and able to get to the second level in the run attack and screen passes.
31.) San Francisco - Kingsley Suamataia - Offensive Tackle - Brigham Young University
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 02: Kingsley Suamataia #OL65 of the Brigham Young Cougars speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Trent Williams is 35 years old and still playing at a high level. Kingsley Suamatai fits the mold the 49ers like at left tackle. He’s big and very athletic. He can play on the right side until Williams eventually retires.
32.) Kansas City - Adonai Mitchell - Wide Receiver - University of Texas
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 01: Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns catches a touchdown pass against Elijah Jackson #25 of the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Chiefs need to re-tool the offensive weapons. Kelce is nearing the end at age 34. Rashee Rice stepped up in the second half of his rookie season. Adonai Mitchell is 6’2” and ran a 4.34 at the NFL combine. He scored 11 touchdowns last season. KC could look at adding a corner here.
