The New England Patriots entered the 2024 NFL season with tempered expectations.
They had just drafted Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick, but many believed it would take some time for Maye to find his footing in the offense.
Jerod Mayo and the coaching staff started the season with Jacoby Brissett under center, but it didn’t take long for them to pivot to the rookie.
Maye has shown flashes of brilliance, signs that he could be the franchise quarterback eventually, but the consensus is that the Patriots need to beef up their offensive line and pass-catchers before that happens.
This team can think about the future all they want, but they still have to close out this season.
Maye knows his place on the team but is seemingly getting more and more comfortable with his role as a rookie.
As he recently mentioned via the Patriots’ official X page, “I think I got respect in that locker room with those guys.”
"I think I got respect in that locker room with those guys."
Drake Maye talks leadership on @WEEI: https://t.co/Kj9U3cExWp pic.twitter.com/AT3XmhW1iW
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 5, 2024
Earning respect in an NFL locker room takes time, especially for rookie quarterbacks.
Veterans can look at rookie QBs as hot-shot players who are trying to come in and make significant changes to what the team already has going.
But, if those rookies don’t look at themselves as the team’s savior, but rather, as just players who can contribute to the common good, they can blend more seamlessly into the team’s chemistry.
The Patriots might have some work to do as it pertains to their on-field product, but it appears that Maye is settling into his role on the team in the locker room, which could lead to greater on-field success in the future.
NEXT: Dan Orlovsky Sends A Message To Patriots Fans About Drake Maye
