The Patriots are getting a closer look at two QB prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Patriots will host UNC QB Drake Maye on a visit on Friday, a source confirmed to the Herald. LSU’s Jayden Daniels will visit the Patriots on Monday, per his agent, Ron Butler.
Maye and Daniels are widely regarded as two of the top three QB prospects in the draft behind USC’s Caleb Williams, who is expected to be selected first overall by the Bears. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently said on his podcast that he expects the Commanders to select Daniels and that would leave Maye for the Patriots, who hold the third overall pick.
Both Maye and Daniels drew large contingents of Patriots staffers to their pro days.
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy has entered the mix, as well, however. NFL Media reported last week that some executives believe McCarthy could be selected by the Commanders.
The Patriots’ current quarterbacks are free-agent pickup Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke after trading Mac Jones to the Jaguars.
Maye, 21, broke out in 2022 with 4,321 passing yards with 38 touchdowns and seven interception while completing 66.2% of his passes and rushing for seven more scores. He took a step back in 2023 with 3,608 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 63.3% completion percentage and nine rushing scores. He has ideal size for the position at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds.
Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, transferred from Arizona State after his 2021 season. The 23-year-old’s breakout year came last season when he completed 72.2% of his passes for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns. He measured in at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds at his pro day.
McCarthy, 21, led Michigan to a national championship win over Washington last season. He was 27-1 as a starter in two years at Michigan and completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions last season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He also rushed for three touchdowns. Harbaugh, now the head coach of the Chargers, has expressed his belief that McCarthy is the top QB in the draft.
Maye’s visit was first reported by Sports Illustrated.
