Joshua Uche, Rhamondre Stevenson react to Drake Maye’s arrival with Patriots

“I feel like he gives us an opportunity to win, but it’s going to be a competition."

Drake Maye's high ceiling offers hope for a Patriots offense in need of a spark. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (sports)

April 30, 2024

2 minutes to read

The Drake Maye era is finally here in Foxborough.

And even though it remains to be seen if the third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will get the starting nod in Week 1 of the 2024 season, Maye’s ceiling as a franchise fixture at quarterback is welcomed on a team in need of a lift under center.

“I’m not a GM. I’m not a head coach, but I feel like he has a lot of potential. Great arm. Very athletic,” Joshua Uche said of Maye on Tuesday. “I feel like he gives us an opportunity to win, but it’s going to be a competition. There are other quarterbacks on the roster.”

As expected, the veterans on New England’s roster are not making any sweeping declarations about Maye, not with training camp still months away.

But Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson did admit he went on YouTube to watch highlights of Maye, who has drawn comparisons to Justin Herbert and Josh Allen thanks to his rocket arm and 6-foot-4 frame.

“Yeah, just to get new guys in the building with us — I don’t really watch college football anymore so I’m not too dialed in on who’s who, but I got a chance to watch everybody’s film and I’m excited for everyone to get in here,” Stevenson said of Maye and the rest of New England’s draft additions.

Stevenson’s official scouting report on Maye? “Big-statured guy — can throw the ball. I’ll make all my other judgments when he gets here.”

For all of the hype surrounding Maye entering the summer, the Patriots do have options at QB, especially if the team opts to ease their new first-round pick into NFL game action.

Jacoby Brissett is the established veteran on the roster and can serve as the team’s bridge starter if need be in 2024. New England also added Tennessee QB Joe Milton in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, while Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are still on the roster.

Even if the Patriots opt to take the slow-and-steady approach this season with Maye, Stevenson stressed that New England’s offense needs to show more than they did during the 2023 season.

Mac Jones’ turnovers loomed large over New England’s lackluster offense last year, but a Patriots team that was tied for last with 13.9 points per game was also hampered by poor O-line play and a dearth of playmakers across the depth chart.

“It’s not a surprise. The offense hasn’t been up to par the last couple of years,” Stevenson said. “I think Eliot and Jerod noticed that just like everyone else and decided to help us out a little bit and get us some more key pieces. It’s time for us to rock now. It’s all on us.”