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Robert Kraft reveals his initial impressions of Drake Maye
"I think we’re going to build something very special."
All eyes will be on Drake Maye as the Patriots’ potential franchise savior at quarterback.
While it remains to be seen whether the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will entrench himself as New England’s starting QB in 2024, Maye’s pro-ready frame and arm strength paint the picture of a signal-caller who can thrive at the NFL level.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft believes that Maye’s talents on the field are far from the only reason why he’s primed for success in New England.
Speaking on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” on Tuesday afternoon, Kraft offered up his initial impression of Maye and what has stood out about him since arriving at training camp last month.
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“The first thing that I really liked is when we drafted him, he came here and his three brothers came with him — the older brother (Luke) plays basketball in Japan, and they all came. They’re a unit. They’re a strong family,” Kraft said. “And it just told me about the kind of support (he has).
“I worry about these young kids coming in here who have received NIL income, and that they’re not about winning and putting team first. I also might mention he brought his girlfriend that he’s been dating since the seventh grade. So he seems to be very sound, good values.”
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While Maye’s close ties with his family impressed Kraft, the 21-year-old QB will also need to deliver on the field if New England has any shot of reclaiming its title as a true powerhouse in the AFC.
Considering New England’s evident flaws and vacancies on their roster (especially when it comes to the offensive line and the lack of a No. 1 receiver), the Patriots are staring at an arduous 2024 season — and a multi-year rebuild beyond that.
The presence of Jacoby Brissett and Maye’s limited reps in New England’s preseason opener against the Panthers also map out a scenario where New England “redshirts” Maye for at least a significant stretch of this upcoming season.
But even if Maye is viewed as more of a long-term project, Kraft believes the Patriots are on the upswing with Maye now in place within the locker room.
“He comes in early, works hard, and it’s just all the fundamentals are there,” Kraft added. “And I think he has a good foundation, and I think we’re going to build something very special. I love the way the coaching staff has developed him and the culture with the players, the locker room. But now we got to deliver on the field.”
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