Drake Maye Admits Caleb Williams Is Already Ahead Of Him
The debate around which quarterback should go #1 overall in the 2024 NFL draft was pretty fierce for months. Plenty of people felt Caleb Williams was the obvious choice. However, there were large sections of fans and experts who felt the honor should’ve gone to LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. The latter was the one many felt was the prototypical NFL quarterback. He had the size, arm strength, and pocket savvy. He ended up going #3 overall to the New England Patriots.
Maye started his first game last week and looked decent with three touchdown passes and two interceptions in a lopsided loss. The traits flashed plenty of times. However, the rookie was quick to point out he still has a lot to learn. During a presser in London ahead of New England’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he expressed admiration for the progress Williams has already made in Chicago. The Bears rookie is doing things he is still trying to learn.
Drake Maye is at the mercy of his supporting cast.
One reason the Patriots tried to keep him off the field was that they knew the offensive line would be a problem. They were right to think that. Quarterbacks have been sacked 23 times in six games this season. Head coach Jerod Mayo understood throwing a rookie quarterback into that situation was asking for trouble. Unfortunately, Jacoby Brissett couldn’t get the passing game going, throwing only two touchdowns in five starts. Ready or not, the Patriots had to give the kid the keys.
Credit to Drake Maye for understanding that Williams has charted a path for him to follow. The Bears starter had problems with too much pressure through the first three weeks of the season. Rather than keep standing back there taking a beating, Williams adjusted his game. He started taking quicker throws, staying ahead of the sticks, stacking completions, and learning to take what the defense gave him. Can’t say it didn’t work. Williams had seven touchdowns and one interception in his last three games.
Maye can get there. He needs the same time and patience.