It’s Showtime for the “Other Guy” in Vikings Draft Orbit
The Drake Maye era in New England will begin this Sunday.
It’s Showtime for the “Other Guy” in Vikings Draft Orbit
After five weeks, the Patriots will bench veteran patchover quarterback Jacoby Brissett for Maye, the third overall pick in April’s draft.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, “The future is now in New England: Sources say the Patriots are planning to start Drake Maye against the Texans, the first start for the No. 3 overall pick. Jacoby Brissett, who started the first five games, heads to the bench.”
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also provided context for Maye’s takeover: “The Patriots plan to start the season with Jacoby Brissett had others around the league questioning their decision. Now a change at QB gives the rookie a chance to show what he’s got against a really tough Texans defense.”
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo stated about the move on Wednesday, one day after the reports leaked about Maye’s impending QB1 arrival: “We’re good with Drake. Every team doesn’t have a No. 1 receiver, a No. 1 running back … But I would say that Drake is gonna make us a better football team today and going forward.”
New England possesses a 1-4 record as Maye takes the big job, with an 8% chance of reaching the postseason, according to DVOA. No matter what, it’ll be an uphill battle for Maye.
From February to late April, Maye served as the “either-or” draft candidate for the Vikings, as NFL-themed media and Vikings fans decided the club would select Maye or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Drafting Maye was contingent on the Patriots’ mood — whether they’d allow a godfather trade for Maye’s services. Ultimately, New England ignored several roster deficiencies and sticked-and-picked with Maye at No. 3.
Sunday against the Houston Texans will be a first step in determining if that move was wise.
Speaking of roster deficiencies, just as draft heads speculated months ago, Maye will lead a team with a horrid offensive line and perhaps worse pass-catchers. According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots’ offensive trenches rank 32nd in the NFL, also known as dead last. Then, its current WR room is arguably the worst in football.
Maye, as predicted, will have to shoo all that noise aside and begin his development in real time.
On the other hand, Vikings fans are rather pleased, generally speaking, with the decision to avoid a gaudy New England trade and instead find McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. Before tearing his meniscus in the preseason, McCarthy showed the early mettle to eventually lead a football team.
The Texans are favored to win by a touchdown in Maye’s debut at the Patriots’ house.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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