The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Russell with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Maye was widely known as one of the top quarterback prospects and had very strong ties to New England throughout his pre-draft process.
About 10 hours before Thursday’s draft, reports first surfaced that Maye was almost certain to be New England’s No.
3 pick.
The Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.
The Washington Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jaden Daniels with the second overall pick.
The selection of these two was also as expected.
Maye, a North Carolina native, was the third quarterback to leave the field Thursday night.
Maye, a North Carolina native, became the third QB not on the roster Thursday night.
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May, 21, was praised for his size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds), athleticism and arm strength.
However, he is considered a more developing prospect than the NFL-ready Williams or the two-way Daniels.
While some Patriots fans may be concerned about Maye’s projections, draft experts and evaluators say Maye has a high ceiling.
New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye Regardless, Maye is heading to New England after months of speculation.
The Patriots said they won’t rush to acquire a rookie quarterback if he needs more time to develop.
New England emphasized that it has confidence in veteran Jacoby Brissett, who the Patriots signed this offseason.
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This opens up the possibility of Maye replacing Brissett to at least start his 2024 season.
But ultimately, Maye, the No.
3 overall pick, will be tasked with revitalizing a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since Tom Brady’s Patriots played in Super Bowl III.