Get to know Drake Maye, the Patriots’ new face of the franchise

Allow Drake Maye to introduce himself.

The Patriots’ new, 21-year-old quarterback spoke with reporters after getting drafted third overall Thursday, a night he called the best of his life. The Patriots wasted no time submitting their card once they were on the clock at No. 3 overall, and director of scouting Eliot Wolf revealed he knew the team would draft him for weeks.

After Maye was drafted, here’s what he said:

What stood out about the Patriots during the pre-draft process?

Maye: “I think when I went on the (pre-draft) visit, just not only the history on the wall, but just the motto in there. Work ethic, grind it out. The Patriots, it’s been a dynasty. It’s one of the best areas, best sports towns; I think it’s the best in the country. I’m so looking forward to getting up there, getting to see it, getting to see Gillette Stadium, and just looking forward to that.

“I think that’s what coach [Jerod] Mayo preaches. He’s such a player’s coach. I can see how all the guys attract to him. I look forward to playing for him and meeting everybody else.”

How do you feel about working with Jacoby Brissett?

Maye: “Yeah, awesome. He’s been so many different places, so many different offenses. I think he’s been in this offense before with Coach [Alex] Van Pelt, and I’m just looking forward to getting to learn from him. I know he’s an old guy, old vet, and he can still play. So, I’m looking forward to contributing in any way, I’m looking forward to getting to see him, and I know he’s the man.”

How do you feel about stepping into a situation some believe is worst in the NFL for a young quarterback?

Maye: “I think they’re wrong. The defense last year held a lot of teams to low points, and I’m looking forward to helping in any way offensively, and just looking forward to be there with Coach [Jerod] Mayo in his first year – congrats to him – and I don’t think anybody’s saying that. I think, hopefully, we’ll find out this coming season. I’m going to work hard with the guys and prove them wrong.”

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Eliot Wolf said you elevate the play of your teammates? How do you do that?

Maye: “No doubt. I think that’s a huge part of being a quarterback. You’re the face of the team. They look to you, and my responsibility is to get to know the guys personally. I think that’s the biggest thing: genuine relationships. That’s kind of what I feed off of. I get to know the guys truly because you may not be able to handle different guys the same way.

“One guy, you might be able to get on him a little bit, yell at him or be a little hard on him. I had some receivers that I could do that with, and some of the offensive linemen, it was more kind of gentle, friendly and just picking them up. So, just get to know the guys personally. I think that’s the biggest thing, and just be one of the guys.

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“I think going in there as a top-three pick rookie, I think you kind of – just stay humble. Worry about my play on the field, winning games and that’s what I’m playing the game for. I love football, and I love winning. I think the biggest thing is that I hate losing. I hate losing in anything I do; it doesn’t matter what it is.”

What can fans expect from you in New England?

Maye: “A competitor and a winner. I think those are the main things that come to mind. It doesn’t matter if I’m racing you out the door, or if we’re on the field competing. I think competing to win: that’s what Patriots Nation is about. That’s what they know how to do, and I’m ready to come in and do that.”

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