Analyst addresses Patriots’ Drake Maye vs. J.J. McCarthy debate

NFL Network draft analyst Charles Davis remains convinced the New England Patriots should make North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye the third pick of the 2024 draft as some continue to link New England with Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

“It’s not that I wouldn’t be happy with J.J. McCarthy, but I would take Drake Maye,” Davis said during the latest edition of the “Eye on Foxborough” podcast, as shared by Karen Guregian of MassLive. “When I look at Drake Maye, I see (Los Angeles Chargers starter) Justin Herbert in a lot of ways. The way he throws the football, the build, the ability to run the football…I’m just a big fan.” 

While the Chicago Bears seem locked in on making USC star Caleb Williams the draft’s first pick, it’s unknown if the Washington Commanders will take Maye, McCarthy or LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2. As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Daniels as the betting favorite to be the second pick of the draft at -290 odds. 

DraftKings also had Maye as the favorite at -145 odds to be the No. 3 selection. 

A report from early April indicated that McCarthy “may be QB1 for both” Washington and New England, but ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. thinks Maye could be a “home run” draft pick for the Patriots. Others have warned that the North Carolina product needs to sit and develop as a backup throughout his rookie season. 

“I love Drake Maye,” Davis added during the podcast. “I love his character. I love the arm. I love the mobility that he has. I love that he fought through last year with an offensive line that struggled, receivers who weren’t as great as they were the year before.” 

At least one scout thinks Washington should take Maye over Daniels. 

According to Guregian, Davis also said he believes new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt could get the best out of any of the previously mentioned signal-callers because Van Pelt has been with “multiple types” of quarterbacks throughout his career. During a stint with the Cleveland Browns that lasted from 2020 through this past season, Van Pelt most notably had Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson as starters.