UNC Football: 2024 season superlatives for the Tar Heels in the NFL

A good long-term investment doesn’t boom immediately, but it is reliable and pays off down the road — like Drake Maye. It’s not a matter of “if” Maye gets his chance but “when.”

To start the season, Maye is trending towards backing up veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. I expect Maye to get the nod at some point this season, but he’s more likely to get his real shot next season and hit his stride in seasons to come.

The Patriots are the dynasty of the 2000s. But it’s also a franchise that has grown restless. The Pats are looking for a guy to pull them out of the mud and back to their winning ways. It’s a great place for Maye to show he’s the man.

Sure, Maye won’t be the day-one starter, and he’ll have a lot of pressure from fans, but Maye is a relentless competitor who’s up for the challenge. Maye grew up with three older brothers, so he’s a tough kid who’s always fought his way up from the bottom of the pig pile.

On August 13, Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo told reporters about Maye’s training camp performance.

“He’s been steady. I think if I was to say one word, it’s steady. He’s always in the building, always studying. He’s out here trying to get better each and every day.”

Since then, Maye scored his first career NFL Preseason touchdown, running it in from the 4-yard line on a quarterback read option play (as you can view below). Maye looked solid, throwing for 47 passing yards, while completing 6-of-11 passes and rushing for 15 more yards.

On one particular play, Maye really showcased his confidence. Maye stepped to his left as the pocket collapsed and unleashed a beautiful 50-yard-plus bomb, which led his receiver perfectly, hitting him in the hands before being dropped.

I believe in Maye’s work ethic and talent, and he has a chance to be a very special long-term investment.