Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has never met rookie quarterback Drake Maye, but he’s seen enough football to know there’s something special brewing with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
Despite having one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL and lackluster receiving weapons, Maye still showed plenty of promise under center for the Patriots, finishing the year with 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The North Carolina product received plenty of praise from various coaches and players throughout the season.
“I think Drake Maye was phenomenal this year,” Gronkowski told RG’s Crissy Froyd. “He exceeded expectations. There’s no doubt about that. Just the way he went in and how he handles himself. Just the energy, the aura that he has around him, he’s going to be a special player for quite some time. The way that he just carries himself as well.
“…He wants to take in the coaching and he wants to grow year in and year out. That’s what is going to make him a special player for several years to come.”
There is certainly a lot to be eager about with the young quarterback. One has to wonder how he will progress in his second season with the Patriots under a new regime led by coach Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots will have the most money to spend in free agency and the No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. Building around the young quarterback will be important for the team in 2025, and they should leave no stone unturned in their efforts to do so.