When the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night, Bill Belichick, like the rest of us, discovered the news. Having overseen the Patriots’ draft for the past 24 years, Belichick promptly provided his initial assessment of New England’s new quarterback shortly after his selection.

“Drake often compares himself to Josh Allen,” Belichick remarked during his appearance as a co-host on the Pat McAfee Show’s draft coverage. “He’s been making those comparisons for quite some time. We’ll have to wait and see. I do see some similarities in terms of size and athleticism. But let’s not forget, Josh Allen is a truly exceptional player.”

Belichick then talks about a series of Maye’s performances at North Carolina. Some showcased Maye’s remarkable potential, while others highlighted areas where Belichick believes he needs improvement. Belichick also noted Maye’s limited playing time in college.

Belichick’s Assessment: Areas for Improvement in Maye’s Quarterbacking

“He’s capable of making big plays … [but] he needs to work on his ability to read defenses and coverages,” Belichick commented. “He tends to flee the pocket too quickly, and he’ll need to stay in there a bit longer, I believe, to locate his receivers. … This is a guy who can execute all the throws. He just needs to find more consistency.”

Belichick cited one instance when Maye exited the pocket despite facing no pressure. He further mentioned that, among the quarterback prospects he assessed, Maye ranked lowest in pocket passing proficiency.

It’s evident that Belichick believes Maye has several areas to refine if he aims to become a top-tier starting quarterback in the NFL.

“He simply requires some time and on-field experience,” Belichick concluded.